GETTING young people excited about learning can be tough, but it's a critical part of the challenge for Youthworx. With its range of media courses (from short courses in radio, film and music to full-time TAFE training), the Brunswick-based training studio wants to give homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged youth a fresh start in life by helping them reconnect with society. But does it work? Swinburne University social scientist Denise Meredyth, with colleagues Julian Thomas, David MacKenzie, Ellie Rennie and Aneta Podkalicka, has been tracking Youthworx's progress. The research is supported by the Australian Research Council Centre for Excellence for Creative Industries and Innovation. Youthworx, says Professor Meredyth, is social innovation in its prime.

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