Leaving school is a big step for any young person. It can be both exciting and daunting, filled with new opportunities but also uncertainty about what comes next. At Margaret Jurd College, we know that this transition can be especially challenging for the young people we support, which is why our commitment to them doesn’t end when they finish school.
Through initiatives like the Pathways Fund, we continue to stand beside our students as they move into the next stage of their lives, helping them find direction, build independence and take confident steps toward their goals.
Bridging the Gap After School
Margaret Jurd College is an independent, designated special school that provides a holistic and supportive education for young people who have experienced barriers to learning in mainstream settings.
Each student arrives at MJC with their own story and unique set of needs. Some have formal diagnoses that impact their learning, while others have struggled to find success or belonging in traditional school environments. What unites them is the need for understanding, flexibility and a learning space that puts wellbeing first.
At MJC, every student is supported by a dedicated Wellbeing Team and a caseworker, ensuring their academic, social and emotional needs are met through tailored support. From providing meals and uniforms to helping students rebuild confidence and connection, MJC meets each young person where they are and helps them move forward with purpose.
When school ends, however, that structure and support can be hard to replace. The Pathways Fund was established to bridge that gap, continuing the spirit of care and opportunity that defines life at MJC, even after graduation.
The Purpose of the Pathways Fund
With generous seed funding from Lane Cove Uniting Church, the Pathways Fund was created by the MJC Board to provide practical help for former students as they take their next steps beyond school.
Those steps might include:
- Enrolling in TAFE or other further education
- Beginning an apprenticeship or traineeship
- Purchasing essential items for work or study
- Covering travel or registration costs to access training or employment
Each application is considered individually by the Pathways Fund Advisory Committee, which ensures that every request is assessed fairly and that support is provided where it can make the most difference. The goal is simple: to empower personal growth and help young people build sustainable futures.
More Than Financial Support
While the Pathways Fund provides practical assistance, its real strength lies in what it represents. It is an ongoing connection between MJC and its students, a reminder that the College’s care doesn’t end at graduation.
The fund reflects MJC’s commitment to The Jurd Way, which focuses on understanding, collaboration and creativity in meeting each student’s needs. It says to every young person, “You still belong here, and we still believe in you.”
That sense of belonging and belief can be the foundation that helps students take their next step with confidence.
Values That Guide the Fund
The Pathways Fund is grounded in the same values that shape everyday life at MJC:
- Seek first to understand – listening before acting
- Better together – recognising that community and connection create strength
- Think different – embracing creativity and flexibility to meet individual needs
These values ensure that every decision made through the fund is student-focused, practical and compassionate.
Taking the Next Step
For some students, the Pathways Fund has made it possible to start an apprenticeship, enrol in a TAFE course or access the transport they need to get to work. For others, it has provided a small but vital helping hand when life became difficult.
Each story is unique, but all share a common theme: with the right support, young people can take meaningful steps toward independence and purpose.
If you or someone you know has attended MJC and could use some support to take their next step into work, training or further study, we encourage you to reach out.
Complete the Pathways Fund Enquiry Form here or read the Pathways Fund Information Guide here to learn more.
Because at MJC, support doesn’t end when school does. It simply changes shape.