Strive9 – Empowering Young Women to Create Social Change
Young people care deeply about the world, and at Santa Maria College, we believe they also have the power to change it. That is the driving force behind Strive9, an emPOWER project that invites our Year 9 students to become active citizens, researchers, and changemakers.
Through this innovative program, students explore complex social issues and create real solutions, solutions that not only educate but inspire meaningful action.
Where It All Began
The journey started with four powerful questions:
- What do you care about?
- What frustrates you about the world?
- What makes you want to take action?
- What stops you in your tracks and makes you think, “This shouldn’t be happening”?
These questions sparked deep discussion. From climate justice to youth homelessness, students shared what truly matters to them—and discovered how to channel their passion into purpose.
Pitch for Purpose: From Ideas to Impact
At the heart of Strive9 is Pitch for Purpose, a Shark Tank-style challenge where teams advocate for a local charity making a real difference in their chosen area.
Over 10 weeks, students worked in teams to:
- Research a current social issue
- Partner with an Australian charity
- Develop and deliver a compelling six to eight-minute pitch
- Show how a $1,000 donation could make a measurable impact
- Collaborate, lead, and present with confidence and creativity
Final presentations took place in the College Boardroom, with students pitching to a judging panel for a share in $1,000 of real funding.
Donations were awarded as follows:
- 1st Place: $500
- 2nd Place: $300
- 3rd Place: $200
- Student Choice Award, funded by the Year 9 SRC
“Strive9 gave us the chance to build on skills from Seek7 and Explore8. This time, we didn’t just research – we had the chance to fight for funding for an organisation we cared about.” Sophie
Skills for the Future
Strive9 is real-world learning in action. Students didn’t just talk about change—they became part of it.
Along the way, they developed critical skills:
- Collaboration – working as a team toward a shared goal
- Critical thinking – analysing complex issues and creating solutions
- Leadership – taking initiative and managing responsibilities
- Communication – speaking clearly and with conviction
- Compassion – advocating for those in need
These are the attributes that prepare young women to lead with heart, purpose and courage .
Stories with Heart
“Strive9 gave me the opportunity to explore a real-world issue, raise awareness, and understand our chosen charity on a deeper level. We chose Genetic Cures Australia because my cousin has a genetic heart condition. It helped me connect with his struggles and want to do something more.” Harper
“It pushed me to put on my ‘real-world’ thinking cap. I learnt about communication, planning, and how organisations work. But most of all, it reminded me what really matters: supporting others and acting with compassion.” Sophie
A Celebration of Service
At its core, Strive9 is about service, one of our key Mercy values. Students were challenged not just to understand injustice, but to respond to it. Through research, discussion and action, they discovered the power of their collective voice.
“Strive9 helped me realise I want to keep raising awareness about youth mental health. I feel more motivated to speak up, support others, and be part of something bigger than myself.” Lianne
Meet Our Final Pitch Panel
Our judging panel brought a range of experience and insight, including:
- Alicia Curtis, Santa Maria parent and co-founder of 100 Women
- Jayne Kingwell, Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning
- Gemma Beekink, Year 9 Dean
- Annika Conte, 2025 Head Girl
- Scarlett Forzatti, 2025 Deputy Head Girl
Their thoughtful feedback and diverse perspectives made for an inspiring finale.
And the Winners Are…
First Place – Year 9 O’Donnell | Worthy
Presented by Madeleine, Ruby, Isabella, Ava & Mia
Second Place – Year 9 Byrne | Dolly’s Dream
Presented by Kiara, Oriana, Lianne & Abby
Third Place – Year 9 de la Hoyde | RUAH
Presented by Talitha, Emily, Ruby & Skye
Student Choice Award – Year 9 Byrne | Dolly’s Dream
Selected by our 2025 Head Girl Annika and Deputy Head Girl Scarlett, this team’s pitch stood out not just for its heart, but for its practical ideas to engage both our day and boarding communities.
A Final Word from the Year 9 Dean
“Strive9 is not just about preparing a pitch. It’s about making a difference, showing courage, and sharing your ideas. I want to congratulate every student for the heart and creativity you’ve put into your work. You have shown what happens when young people combine passion with purpose.” Gemma Beekink
Strive9 reminds us that every student has a voice, and when used for good, that voice can create ripples of change. Whether on stage, behind the scenes or cheering on their peers, every Year 9 student played a part in building a better future.
- emPOWERProgram, Featured, PitchforPurpose, RealWorldLearning, SocialJusticeEducation, Strive9Program, StudentChangemakers, Year9LearningProjects, YouthLeadership
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
Weekly Wrap Up – Term 2, Week 8
