Purpose
To assist schools to engage students in learning, achieving and successful transitioning to further education, training and work.
Duration of program
Ongoing
Eligibility
Identified state schools
Allocation of funds
Link and Launch
Link and Launch is designed to support Year 12 completers who are not in education, employment or training to navigate the options available to them, and to access an option that will most effectively support them to make a transition.
Payments to host schools will be based on service demand and the Next Step data as follows.
Where Next Step data indicates a
small number of Year 12 completers in the local area who are NEET* in the year after completing Year 12
| $75,000 |
Where Next Step data indicates a
medium number of Year 12 completers in the local area who are NEET* in the year after completing Year 12
| $110,000 |
Where Next Step data indicates a
large number of Year 12 completers in the local area who are NEET* in the year after completing Year 12
| $130,000 |
In some cases, schools are also allocated an additional temporary loading to assist with maintaining staffing continuity
| $5,000–$30,000 |
*NEET: Not in education, employment or training.
Intensive education case management
Intensive education case managers (IECMs) are based in all regions to help schools keep young people engaged in learning. IECMs work with schools and regional teams to improve education outcomes and help young people identify and work toward further education, training or employment.
Funding is allocated to each of the regions to be managed and paid directly to eligible schools. Amounts are determined based on specific needs and the business case presented by the schools requiring assistance.
Attendance and engagement programs
Attendance and engagement (A&E) programs aim to maximise days of learning and reduce teacher workload by improving attendance, reducing school disciplinary absences (SDAs) and increasing Years 10–12 retention.
By maximising days of learning, A&E programs contribute to achieving the priority support measures of the Equity and Excellence: realising the potential of every student strategy, including A to C achievement and attaining a Queensland Certificate of Education or Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement.
Note: In 2026, schools will be identified for appropriation, schools are not able to apply for funds.
Payment details
| Link and Launch payment | January | 100% |
| Link and Launch contingency funding | In line with monthly payment | 100% |
| Intensive education case management (IECM) | In line with monthly payment | 100% |
| Attendance and engagement | Semester 1—February* Semester 2—July | 50% 50% |
Youth engagement
| In line with monthly payment | 100% |
*Please note the Attendance and engagement Semester 1 2026 payment will be made in April/May.
Recoupment process
Recoupment of unspent funds may be sought and redirected where the school withdraws from the program.
How to apply
Schools will be selected and invited to participate in these programs based on meeting a range of criteria. Regional Directors and the Director-General approve the schools invited to participate.
Contact
Engagement team
Student Support branch
State Schools Strategy
Phone: (07) 3513 5390
Email:
engagement@qed.qld.gov.au
Attendance and Engagement team
Email:
aeprograms.fnsp@qed.qld.gov.au