Youth off the Streets is launching a Hunter Suspension Program in response to high rates of suspensions and expulsions in the region.

The project, which is targeted at 120 students over three years, aims to help students focus on the school curriculum, equip them with financial acumen, teach skills to transition to adulthood and engage employers to help participants to consider career options.

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Aspect Hunter School is also rolling out a Work Education and Employment Skills Program, to provide autism-specific support for its high school students to transition from school to employment.

The program will provide students with pre-employment assessment and employability skills and development training, including social interaction and communication, teamwork, searching for jobs and roles, preparing a resumé and interview preparation.

The programs will be kickstarted with grants from the Greater Charitable Foundation, which has committed $415,000 to Youth Off The Streets and $300,000 to Aspect.

Greater Charitable Foundation CEO Anne Long, said the programs supported their funding strategy of improving the skills and knowledge of participants in order to strengthen the overall financial wellbeing.

"We are excited by the prospects both programs offer and very much look forward to working with them over the coming years," Ms Long said.

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