Jack Manning Bancroft Biography
Jack Manning Bancroft is an Australian social entrepreneur, most recognized for founding the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME) in 2005 when he was just 19 years old. AIME aims to bridge the gap in education for Indigenous Australians by connecting them with mentors from universities, helping increase school completion rates and university admissions among Indigenous students. Under his leadership, AIME grew significantly, supporting thousands of students and volunteers, and expanded its reach globally, including in the U.S. and Africa.
Jack was named the 2010 NSW Young Australian of the Year and has received numerous accolades for his work, including an Australian Human Rights medal. He’s also a published children’s author, a systems designer, and behavioral economist, contributing to innovative educational models through platforms like IMAGI-NATION, which promotes global networks for social change.
Jack Manning Bancroft Age
Jack Manning Bancroft was born in 1985, making him 39 years old in 2024.
Jack Manning Bancroft Hometown
Jack Manning Bancroft is originally from Sydney, Australia.
Jack Manning Bancroft Educational Background
Jack Manning Bancroft has a strong educational background that complements his work in social entrepreneurship. He graduated from the University of Sydney, where he was studying when he founded the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME) at the age of 19. Jack later pursued further studies at Stanford University.
Jack Manning Bancroft Parents
Jack Manning Bancroft’s mother is Bronwyn Bancroft, a well-known Aboriginal artist, activist, and fashion designer from the Bundjalung nation of northern New South Wales. She has made significant contributions to Indigenous art and culture in Australia. His father, Ned Bancroft, was a high school drama teacher.
Jack Manning Bancroft Career
Jack Manning Bancroft’s career has been deeply intertwined with his mission to address systemic inequities through education and mentorship. In 2005, at just 19, while a student at the University of Sydney, he founded the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME) with the goal of mentoring Indigenous high school students. Initially, it began with just 25 students in Redfern, a suburb of Sydney, but quickly grew into a large-scale initiative.
In 2008, AIME became a formal entity, and Jack, at the age of 22, took on the role of CEO. Under his leadership, AIME expanded rapidly, developing mentorship programs that connected university students with Indigenous high school students. By 2017, the program had worked with over 25,000 Indigenous students and 5,000 university student mentors across Australia.
In 2016, Jack took AIME international, recognizing that educational inequity was not limited to Australia. AIME launched its mentorship model in Africa and the United States. This marked a significant phase in his career, as the organization began to address global challenges, aiming to bring its proven mentorship framework to students worldwide.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 forced many organizations to rethink their approach, and AIME was no exception. Jack led AIME through a significant pivot, leveraging technology to create new digital platforms. One of the key developments was IMAGI-NATION{University}, a digital learning and mentorship initiative that expanded AIME’s reach to 52 countries in its first year.
Through IMAGI-NATION{University} and other digital initiatives, Jack has continued to push the boundaries of traditional mentorship. AIME now focuses on creating what Jack calls a “digital nation” — a global community united through digital networks, aimed at fostering mentorship, education, and leadership across borders. This vision is centered on “unlikely connections,” which he believes are the key to building a fairer and more equitable world.
Throughout his career, Jack has also become a recognized figure in Australian leadership. He was awarded the Young Australian of the Year award and received a Human Rights Medal for his work with AIME. His innovative approach to education and mentorship has been recognized globally, and he continues to advocate for systemic changes in how we think about education and human connections.
Jack’s work has not been limited to his role as CEO of AIME. He has also explored creative ventures, including writing children’s books. His book The Eagle Inside is an inspiring tale for young readers about finding confidence and strength, further reflecting his commitment to empowering young minds.
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Jack Manning Bancroft Books
Jack Manning Bancroft has written the following books:
- The Eagle Inside (2015)
A children’s book about overcoming fear and self-doubt, which tells the story of a young eagle who finds his strength and purpose despite initial insecurities. It conveys themes of confidence, resilience, and self-belief.
- Hoodie Economics
This book reimagines economic systems by centering relational economies and Indigenous thinking.
- Mentoring
This book discusses the importance of mentoring in creating a fairer world and shares insights from Jack’s experiences with the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME).
Jack Manning Bancroft Awards and Recognitions
Jack Manning Bancroft has received significant recognition throughout his career for his contributions to Indigenous education and mentoring through his work with AIME (Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience):
- 2010 Young Australian of the Year: Bancroft was awarded this prestigious honor for his work in founding AIME, which supports Indigenous high school students across Australia. His dedication to closing the educational gap for Indigenous Australians earned him national recognition.
- Australian Human Rights Medal: He was also recognized with the Australian Human Rights Medal for his efforts to promote equality and improve educational opportunities for Indigenous youth.
- Honorary Doctorate: In 2016, Jack was awarded the title of Australia’s youngest honorary doctorate recipient by the University of South Australia. This was a recognition of his exceptional contributions to Indigenous education through AIME.
- McKinnon Prize: Bancroft has served on the McKinnon Prize selection panel, which awards leaders who have significantly contributed to public life in Australia.
Jack Manning Bancroft Partner and Daughter
Jack Manning Bancroft is in a relationship with actress Yael Stone, best known for her role as Lorna Morello in Orange Is the New Black. The couple started dating in 2017 and welcomed their first child, a daughter named Pemau Stone Bancroft, on May 30, 2018.
Jack Manning Bancroft Net Worth
Jack Manning Bancroft has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million as of 2024.
FAQs
Who is Jack Manning Bancroft?
Jack Manning Bancroft is the founder and CEO of AIME (Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience), an organization focused on mentoring and empowering young Indigenous Australians.
When did Jack Manning Bancroft start AIME?
He founded AIME in 2005 when he was just 19 years old while studying at the University of Sydney.
How many students has AIME supported?
Since its founding, AIME has supported over 25,000 Indigenous students and involved over 5,000 university students as mentors.
What awards has Jack Manning Bancroft won?
Jack has received several accolades, including the 2010 NSW Young Australian of the Year and an Australian Human Rights Medal.
Has AIME expanded internationally?
Yes, AIME expanded globally in 2016, establishing programs in countries like South Africa and the United States.
What other roles does Jack Manning Bancroft have?
Apart from running AIME, Jack is also an artist, a behavioral economist, and has published children’s books.
What books has Jack Manning Bancroft written?
Some of his books include The Eagle Inside and Hoodie Economics, which are aimed at empowering youth through imaginative storytelling.
What is IMAGI-NATION University?
Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, IMAGI-NATION University is an innovative platform from AIME designed to reach youth across 52 countries, connecting different sectors to create a more equitable world.