17 Feb 2016 Seymour Telegraph, Seymour VIC (General News) Seymour College and Broadford Secondary College are two of more than 80 schools within the Northern Victoria region that will take part in the Victorian Governments $4.46 million Advance program. The Advance program sees secondary school students get involved in community projects to gain valuable experience and life skills. The Advance program engages students in education by helping them participate in recognised training courses and community projects that develop their communication, project management and teamwork skills, member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said. Through having a program available to students such as Advance the Andrews Labor Government is hoping to reduce the impact of disadvantage on achievement, strengthen resilience and reduce the number of young people leaving school between year nine and 12. Last year more than 23 500 Victorian students took part in Advance and formed more than 2000 community partnerships in disciplines including welfare, culture, conservation, emergency services, events, human rights, sport and recreation and community service. Participating schools reported that the program teaches students to lead healthy, active and diverse cultural lives as well as making safe life choices and behaviours. It teaches students how to identify career pathways, opens up mentoring opportunities and re-engages them in education and employment opportunities. Copyright Agency licensed copy (www.copyright.com.au)