Advance is a flexible, school-based program that provides young people with the opportunity to volunteer or implement a project of benefit to their communities. An evaluation of this partnership between a state government office for youth, government secondary schools and community organisations found that a universal program such as Advance could engage a diverse group of young people. Many of the young Advance participants face barriers to success in education and do not have the social capital to facilitate supportive personal networks. Advance contributes to the community's capacity to partner young people and broaden community links that are pivotal to young people's sense of connectedness and belonging. (Contains 11 tables.)