About TSU

The Street University is a pioneering youth movement that legendary Hip Hop group Public Enemy’s Chuck D called “a work of art.”

The Street University concept is founded on an idea Ted Noffs envisioned in the 60s in Sydney – that is “No young person is a write off”. Every Street University centre is unique. The programs are tailored to local young people’s interests and are often run by the young people themselves. Our mantra is “For the street, by the street”.

Whether you’re looking to hone your creative skills, move beyond your drug problems, find housing, do better at school, start a new business or even just finding a community to be a part of – the Street University is here for you. We have helped thousands upon thousands of young people find exciting new futures. Whether its hip hop, dance, graf or even business – were here to help you forge a future that is as unique as you!

A 2022 study by UNSW of TSU found that:

The (Street University) is designed… to provide (young people) with a safe space, social supports, life skills development opportunities and, when required, therapeutic AOD (Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment) and mental health interventions.

Overall, 50% of young people who remained with the service reduced their (drug) dependence, 55% experienced improved quality of life, and 71% experienced reduced (psychological) distress.

Source: UNSW, Centre for Social Research in Health, Caruana et al, 2023

Reduced Drug Dependence

50%

Reduced Psychological Distress

71%

Improved Quality of life

55%

An evaluation of TSU over three years found:

Reduction in anti-social behaviour0%
Improved relationships0%
Improved community connection0%
Increased education and employment0%
Source: Commonwealth Government Attorney-General’s Department, Liverpool HipHoperations Project Final Evaluation

Similarly, surveyed community members recognised the benefits of the program with:

70%

% reporting that they felt the community was a safer place

74%

% reporting crime had been reduced because of Street University

Source: Commonwealth Government Attorney-General’s Department, Liverpool HipHoperations Project Final Evaluation

A study released in 2022 by UNSW found that young people who remained with the service:

reduced their (drug) dependence0%
Improved quality of life0%
Experienced reduced (psychological) distress0%

Testimonials

  • The Street University has been a big help in assisting me to find work and get into a course to better my career. There are a lot of programs that are here to help out the youth. The Liverpool Street Harvest program helps me, my family and my friends get food each week!

    Anniversary (19yo)

  • Street Uni Liverpool has been the best experience in the whole 6 years I have been coming here. You get to be yourself and they help you with whatever you’re going through.

    Blaire (17yo)

  • The Street University was that location for me and a lot of other people I know - It gave us a safe space to talk about topics that were taboo in our culture and provided us means to say what we were thinking.

    Carniel (26yo)