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What is the Young Ambassadors program?
As a Young Ambassador, you'll engage with other students, program facilitators and SACE staff to explore important issues, gather perspectives from your peers, and help inform decisions about what we do.
More than a consultation process, the program gives students an active role in bringing student voice into decision-making and helping create a more student-centered education system.
On this page
About the SACE Board
The SACE Board is responsible for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), including curriculum, assessment, and the recognition of learning. The decisions we make affect thousands of students across South Australia and beyond.
That's why student voice matters. Through the Young Ambassadors program, students can share their experiences and perspectives to help inform SACE projects and future initiatives.
Who are we looking for?
We want students who:
- Are curious about education and learning
- Are willing to share their experiences and ideas
- Enjoy listening to others
- Can respectfully represent different perspectives
- Are interested in making a positive contribution
- Have diverse experiences and perspectives
You do NOT need to have:
- Top grades
- Leadership experience
- All the answers!
What will you do?
- Participate in workshops
Work with other Young Ambassadors, program facilitators and SACE staff to explore important topics affecting students. - Gather peer perspectives
Facilitate conversations with other students at your school using tools and support provided by the program. - Analyse insights
Work together to identify common themes, emerging issues and opportunities from student feedback. - Share findings
Contribute to reports and presentations that help inform decision making.
How will we support you?
- Onboarding
We will make sure there is time for you to get to know the other Young Ambassadors and the SACE Board team members right at the start. - Regular check-ins
We will hold online check-ins between workshops and face-to-face meetings to answer questions, gather feedback and make sure you are enjoying the experience. - Open communication
We want you to feel safe and comfortable coming to us at any time with questions, feedback, concerns or ideas. - Young people led spaces
There will be other young people who will support and facilitate the Young Ambassadors alongside the SACE team. - Provide resources, training and support
This is an opportunity to develop and build your skills. You won’t be expected to do anything you do not feel prepared for, and we will provide the resources, training and support needed to help you participate confidently. - Celebrate inclusion and diversity
We want all voices to be heard and diverse perspectives to be represented. This is an inclusive space where everyone should feel safe, respected, seen and included. - Support for regional students
Where travel is required to participate in program activities, the SACE board will cover reasonable travel and accommodation costs to ensure students from across South Australia can get involved.
Time and Commitment
As a Young Ambassador, you'll take part in a range of workshops and interactive sessions.
6–8 students will be selected to participate in our first program, which will run from September 2026 to February 2027 (no activity during the school holidays). The commitment is approximately 0.5–1 day per month, as outlined in the table below.
We know there are more students interested than there are places available. While a small group of students will become Young Ambassadors, every applicant can join the Young Ambassador Network and continue to contribute ideas, receive updates and take part in future opportunities.
| What? | Commitment | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Onboarding | 2 x online sessions (30 mins – 1 hour) | This is time to get to know the facilitators running the program and the other Young Ambassadors. We will also provide you with an overview of the program and set up any admin requirements (eg. communication channels). |
| Face-to-face workshops | 4 x 3-hour in-person sessions | At our in-person collaboration sessions, you'll connect with other Young Ambassadors, build skills, gather ideas from your school and community, and work with the SACE Board team to help turn student voices into meaningful action. |
| Check-ins | 4 x 1-hour online check-ins | These online check-ins take place between each face-to-face session and provide an opportunity to ask questions, share feedback, receive support, and discuss progress on any activities or tasks. |
| Loop back | 1 x 1-hour online loop back session | The SACE Board team will share how they were able to action your ideas. |
| End of year celebration | 1 x 2-hour in-person celebration | This is a casual hangout for you to celebrate your work over the year. |
| Feedback | 1 x 30-minute online chat or online survey | We'd love to hear about your experience and learn what worked well, along with any ideas for improvement, so we can make the program even better in the future. |
What will you gain?
Participation in the Young Ambassador program is voluntary and unpaid. However, it offers a range of valuable opportunities to develop skills, build connections, have your voice heard and contribute to work that makes a difference for students.
Make a Difference
Help bring student perspectives into conversations and make a real contribution to the decisions that impact young people.
Build Valuable Skills
Develop valuable skills that can support your future study, work and career pathways:
- Facilitation
- Communication
- Leadership
- Presentation
- Research and analysis
- These are transferable skills that can support your future study, work and career pathways.
Connect with Others
Work alongside students from across South Australia, as well as SACE staff and project leads.
Receive Recognition
Your contribution will be recognised through:
- A skills certificate from the Chief Executive of the SACE Board
- Recognition of your direct contribution in reports and presentations
- Opportunities for future references or endorsements from the SACE Board
Access Unique Opportunities
Opportunities may include:
- Connect with SACE staff, education leaders and professionals, building valuable relationships while gaining insights into how decisions are made, and opportunities are created
- Future opportunities to share your voice
Key dates
- Expressions of Interest Open: Friday 31 July
- Expressions of Interest Close: Sunday 23 August
- Onboarding Sessions:
- Week commencing 14 September
- Week commencing 21 September
- Collab 01 with SACE Team:
- Week commencing 12 October