The Institute, located in the School of Education was the first dual (TAFE/higher education) sector University Research and Community Service Institute in Australia. It represents an exciting partnership between the Faculty of Human Development and the TAFE School of Human Services, Arts and Multi Media at Victoria University. The Institute brought together a range of skills and expertise in the areas of community services, research, education, training and service delivery.
The Institute has evolved into the School of Education, Youth, Education and Community Research Unit.
Through quality community service and community research the Institute for Youth, Education and Community impacts on and assists young people by helping to shape their education and the community in which they live.

The Institute for Youth, Education and Community is a major component of one of the University's identified Key Research Areas, Social Diversity and Community Wellbeing.

The Institute also houses/or has been the home of :

* Adult Literacy and Numeracy Australian Research Consortium (ALNARC)

* Victorian Industry Education Partnerships (VIEP)

* Education for Work Coalition

* Successful Learning Website - www.successfullearning.com.au