Kepnock State High School Proud to Expand Innovative Program Supporting Youth in Bundaberg
Kepnock State High School is thrilled to announce the expansion of the Integrated Pathways at Bundaberg (IP@B) program, a pioneering initiative led by Bundaberg Regional Council in partnership with Peirson Services. This transformative program, initially championed by Kepnock's very own Head of Department for Engagement, Danni Hibbert, in 2021, is designed to support young people transitioning from school to the workforce by providing positive industry engagement and skill-building experiences.
The program began as Integrated Pathways at Kepnock (IP@K), conceived by Ms. Hibbert to address the needs of students who were disengaged with traditional classroom learning. Thanks to the initial success of IP@K and funding from the Australian Government Department of Social Services, the program is now expanding to benefit more schools in the Bundaberg region. The enhanced IP@B initiative will provide hands-on, immersive experiences to students aged 14-15, offering them a taste of the careers and pathways available within their community.
Deputy Mayor Cr Tracey McPhee praised the initiative, stating, “IP@B will continue the great work achieved under the initial pilot, supporting more children who are disengaged or at-risk than ever before."
The expansion has been made possible through the collaborative efforts of Kepnock State High School's dedicated steering committee, with strong support from Peirson Services and the Council. Ms. Hibbert's visionary work with IP@K underscored the power of combining school, community, and industry resources to address youth disengagement, inspiring this new phase of the program that will reach even more students.
Peirson Services CEO Madeleine Marais also expressed her excitement about the partnership, noting the program's positive impact on student engagement, social skills, and overall well-being. “This program is not only about careers but also about building a foundation for lifelong learning and community involvement," Marais shared.
Data from the Bundaberg region shows that, in 2021, over 14% of residents aged 15-24 were disengaged from both school and work. By expanding this initiative, IP@B aims to address this pressing issue, providing early intervention and opportunities for students to connect meaningfully with local industry.
Kepnock State High School encourages local businesses to take part in this impactful program. Businesses can contribute by hosting discussions, hands-on activities, or behind-the-scenes tours for students, offering valuable insights into various career paths. Each session will last around 45 minutes, with students returning to their classrooms afterward, enriched by these unique learning experiences.
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services, IP@B showcases what's possible when schools and communities unite to support youth development. Kepnock State High School, and especially Ms. Hibbert, are proud to see this vision grow and continue to positively impact students throughout the Bundaberg region.
For more information on how to get involved in the program, businesses can contact the Bundaberg Regional Council at economic.development@bundaberg.qld.gov.au.