The Clontarf Foundation builds supportive relationships, a welcoming environment and uses a diverse range of activities, to improve the self-esteem and confidence of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men. This helps them to participate in education, employment and society in a positive way.

Fourteen Clontarf Foundation academies are operating in designated SA government schools, supporting up to 957 students from 2025 to 2027. An additional academy will begin operating in 2026, bringing the total number to 15. The program is offered to young Aboriginal men in years 4 to 12 at participating schools.

Academy mentors work closely with the school, the community and their local partners to support participants with their:

• education
• discipline
• leadership
• life skills
• self-esteem
• employment prospects.

The program is strongly aligned to the:

• National Agreement on Closing the Gap
• department’s Aboriginal Education Strategy and Reconciliation Action Plan.