Funding announced to expand I CAN programs

By Georgia Tacey

Nov 28, 2023

I CAN: More students will now have access to the program. Photo by Megan Fisher

New funding has been announced to expand the reach of the I CAN Network in schools.

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Victorian Parliamentary Secretary for Education Darren Cheeseman announced $5.7 million in funding for the program on Monday, November 27, at Greater Shepparton Secondary College.

“I am always looking for ways that the Victorian education system can invest in our students to make sure that every single student, no matter the circumstances, has the best possible opportunity,” he said.

“Today, I’ve got the great pleasure of announcing that the Allan Labor Government will contribute a further $5.7 million to expand the I CAN program over the next four years.”

More funding: Darren Cheeseman announces a further $5.7 million to expand the program. Photo by Megan Fisher

The I CAN Network is Australia’s largest provider of autistic-led group mentoring programs, training and consultancy.

Currently, I CAN has programs in 100 schools, with this new funding helping to expand its reach so more students across Victoria can access its programs.

“This will see funding extended [to the schools] but also a further 154 additional schools to see this program extended to at least 2027,” Mr Cheeseman said.

“This announcement will enable the program to grow and will enable more schools to become a part of the network.”

Chief enabling officer Chris Varney founded the I CAN Network in 2013 before expanding into schools in 2016. He said the Victorian Government’s support helped achieve the program’s reach.

I CAN to expand: I CAN Network founder Chris Varney says over 250 schools will have access to the program in Victoria. Photo by Megan Fisher

“With the great support we’ve received from the Allan Government, we will be scaling up to deliver our program across 254 schools,” he said.

“We will also be investing in our online program, which runs after school hours, which will provide a way for any young person across the state to access the I CAN message.

“In total, we will be offering over 11,500 places to autistic young people in Victoria.

“Broken down, that will be over 7800 places for autistic young people in schools, over 4000 unique students who will experience the program as many times as they like and online, we’ll be offering 3660 spaces for over 1700 unique government students.”

GSSC has implemented the program at the school with great success after it was introduced at Wanganui Park Secondary College in 2017.