Study Finds Small Grants Have Significant Impact On Disadvantaged Families

Led by Associate Professor Kathleen Mee from the College of Engineering, Science and Environment, and Dr Julia Cook from the College of Human and Social Futures, the research evaluated local youth mentoring and scholarship program Grow a Star, run by community housing provider Home in Place.

Results found that the small-scale nature of this kind of program meant it could respond to applications quickly, allowing the families accessing scholarships important opportunities in a more straightforward and timely manner than with larger-scale support services.

Researchers interviewed young people and their families who have accessed Grow a Star, as well as practitioners working for the program. The findings will inform the program’s structure and provide critical evidence for other youth service providers.

Findings were shared with research participants and the wider community at a seminar held at the University of Newcastle’s Q Building on Monday night.