VicSRC Ambassadors
Published on 21 October 2025
Earlier this year, we were fortunate to be selected as VicSRC Ambassadors, a program designed to empower students across Victoria to have a stronger voice in education. The program brings together young people from diverse schools and communities to collaborate, share ideas, and advocate for meaningful change in the education system.
As Ambassadors, we had the chance to meet like-minded students who were passionate about student voice and leadership. One of the highlights was connecting with peers from across the state and realising that many of the challenges we face are not isolated but are shared by others. From conversations about mental health and wellbeing to subject choices and future pathways, it was eye-opening to see how similar our experiences were. Together, we explored ways to make education more inclusive, equitable, and responsive to student needs.
The program also gave us opportunities to strengthen our own skills. We practiced public speaking, teamwork, and advocacy while developing confidence to share our views with adults in leadership positions. We learned that real change doesn’t just happen when you have a good idea. It happens when you collaborate, listen to diverse voices, and are willing to step outside your comfort zone.
Through the VicSRC internship, we were able to take these lessons further by developing a project proposal called Beyond HT. This idea aims to create a student-led “bootcamp” style event designed to support middle and senior school students in preparing for their future pathways. The event would include subject expos, Q&A panels for VCE students, and hands-on opportunities to connect with teachers, alumni, and university representatives.
One of the unique parts of Beyond HT is its focus on bridging the gap between what students are told about life after school and what it actually feels like. The event would feature guest speakers from different industries, alumni sharing real-life journeys, and professionals providing insight into university, TAFE, or trades. Parents would also be invited, turning the event into a community-wide celebration of future possibilities.
This project matters because so many young people feel overwhelmed when faced with big decisions about their future. Even when schools provide support, it can be hard to know where to start. *Beyond HT* aims to give students a starting point, or in some cases, the reassurance that they are on the right track. By combining advice, real-world examples, and student voice, the event creates a safe and supportive environment where everyone can explore their interests and pathways with confidence.
Looking back, our time as VicSRC Ambassadors has been such a rewarding experience and we can't wait to further develop our proposal and integrate it within our school. It reminded us that young people have valuable perspectives, and that we can play an active role in shaping education. We are so grateful for the opportunity to represent students, to share our ideas through the internship, and to contribute a
project we hope could inspire future events. Programs like this prove that young voices matter, and when we work together, we can make a real difference.
- Shivika Verma and Shriya Kumbarageri