Attended by partnership organisations from all over the world, the Toronto conference celebrated the many successful initiatives that help prepare young people to realise their full potential and prepare them for the world of work. It was clear from the conference that employers the world over are keen to work closely with schools, colleges and universities to make education exciting and relevant to all students in their localities.

Created in Australia in 2005, by the CEOs of major Australian and global companies, now representing twenty eight major national and global companies representing over 400,000 corporate employees working together, collaboratively, funding and participating in business and education programs in schools across Australia.

The member companies of the ABCN believe that by working collaboratively and aggregating their business resources, especially the personal involvement of their people, they will have greater and more sustainable community impact in the education area.

Our ten mentoring and coaching programs are created in response to school and student needs with a strong focus on refugee, recent migrants, and indigenous and lower socio economic student support. Since 2005 over 20,000 students have participated in ABCN school and business partnership programs. The ABCN has worked with thousands of corporate mentors in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart and some regional areas and with nearly 200 disadvantaged schools.

Member companies are American Express, Bain and Company, Blackmores, Citi Australia, CBA, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Fuji Xerox, Goldman Sachs, Hall & Wilcox, iiNet, IAG, Investec, JPMorgan, KPMG, Microsoft, Mallesons, Minter Ellison, MLC, Navitas, ninemsn, Optus, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Qantas, Stockland, STW communications, UBS and Wesfarmers.

On receiving the Awards, which were given for “Building a Learning Community” and as Regional Global Winner for Business and Education Partnership, ABCN’s Chair, Matthew Quinn said:

“The competition for this award was very strong, and so I am particularly proud to accept it on behalf of the collaborative business approach adopted by the ABCN to maximise the value to schools and students”.

ABCN Chief Executive Carey Badcoe added:

“We are delighted to have won such important awards as this is a positive reflection of how our work is perceived by the international community and the high quality of the education and business partnerships in Australia”.