Clontarf Foundation's Coodanup Academy has received backing from Alcoa Australia's community investment program which will see $225,000 provided to the Academy over three years.
The Clontarf Foundation helps young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to attend school complete Year 12 and enter employment.
The new partnership was announced at a special basketball training session held recently at Coodanup College in Mandurah, where academy students proved to be far more skilled than Alcoa representatives when they took to the court for a friendly game.
Alcoa WA Manager of Mines Darrin Strange said the partnership with Coodanup Academy was an important part of the company's efforts to further strengthen relationships Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
"We are very proud to work closely with the Clontarf Foundation and to announce our three-year partnership to support the boys here at the Coodanup Academy," Mr Strange said.
"We are committed to sharing value with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by improving employment outcomes and this exciting partnership with the Clontarf Foundation's Coodanup Academy intends to help support 85 local boys to achieve their goals. Our interactions include mornings such as today when we can have some fun and get to know the boys.
"The boys will regularly visit Alcoa operations with a view to potential employment opportunities in the region where we operate."
Alcoa noted that since commencing in 2000, the Clontarf Academy approach has proven to be successful, not only in attracting young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to continue their schooling, but also in having them embrace more disciplined, purposeful and healthy lifestyles.
Academies are established in schools with the permission and endorsement of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community groups and leaders. Participation is voluntary and requires parental or caregiver consent.
Clontarf Foundation Regional Manager Clint Ernst said he was excited about attending the first of many early morning basketball sessions with the Alcoa team.
"Our community connection is an extremely important component of our engagement with our partners," Mr Ernst said.
"We use supportive relationships and a diverse range of activities to develop and improve self esteem and confidence, which assists our boys in education, employment, and society in positive ways.
"Clontarf staff assist with developing a pathway to employment and our relationship with our partners, such as Alcoa, is vital. Clontarf staff provide ongoing support and stay in the boys' lives as part of our alumni program."
