About Us

School-based mentoring program that empowers students to unlock their full potential.

Standing Tall in Hamilton Inc. (STiH) is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). STiH is an award-winning, not-for-profit, school-based mentoring program that works with students in grades 3 to 12 attending our partner schools.

Our program offers positive guidance, support, routine and encouragement to students to help them develop a healthy connection to school and take advantage of the opportunities that education provides. We work in collaboration with local primary and secondary schools, and we are supported by many local community groups business and philanthropists.

Students currently studying in Years 3 to 12, who meet our eligibility criteria and wish to be involved may apply to be considered for the Program.

STiH accepts referrals for students in need, and whose school may have exhausted all other means to engage students with their education. We provide support via our school-based mentoring program that offers education and activities targeted at young people to help them gain skills to succeed in life. Our goal is to build resilience and offer an opportunity for a brighter future.

Our Vision

To foster a community-driven environment where students are empowered to unlock their full potential.

Our Purpose

Standing Tall in Hamilton Inc. is dedicated to ensuring that every local child, regardless of background or circumstance, has equitable access to mentorship.

Our main purpose is to specifically support young people from across the Southern Grampians Shire. Some of the reasons for referral may (but not always) include:

• Lacking self-confidence.
• Disengagement from their education and the community.
• Limited positive adult engagement opportunities or role models.
• Need support or relief from the impact of disadvantage, trauma, life challenges, economic hardship, poverty, or live in a sub-optimal home environment.

We recruit, screen, train and match mentors who are volunteers from across our community to:

• Pass on valuable life skills.
• Reduce school absenteeism.
• Be a role model for a young person.
• Allow a young person to feel heard and supported.
• Build self-esteem through support and encouragement.
• Work with young person to bring joy to their time at school.
• Encourage young person to better cope with challenges of schooling.
• Bring about attitude changes and respect by working with a trusted adult.
• Improve respect for themselves, others, the community, and community property.
• Reduce the risk of early disengagement from education, whilst encouraging the continuation of educational pathways to further study or engagement in work.