Edenhope College, Goroke P-12 and Balmoral P-12 will no longer be included in 2022's round of Advance program funding, despite participating in the program in previous years.

Established in 2004, the Advance program provides volunteering opportunities to secondary schools students to develop social skills such as leadership and communication.

A Department of Families, Fairness and Housing spokesperson said the three Wimmera schools would no longer be considered eligible for the funding in 2022.

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"The 2022 Advance program targets 150 of the most disadvantaged secondary schools campuses in Victoria and provides opportunities for young people to expand their skills and gain leadership experience," the spokesperson said.

"Edenhope College, Balmoral P-12 and Goroke P-12 are not included in the 150 most disadvantaged secondary schools based upon the Department of Education and Training's Student Family Occupation and Economic index."

The decision has faced criticism from Lowan member Emma Kealy, who raised the matter in parliament in December, in a question to the Minister for Youth.

"These kids deserve Advance funding as much as kids in Melbourne. They have been significantly impacted by the COVID pandemic because they have been locked down for longer than anywhere else, even though they have not had a case," Ms Kealy said.

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During her parliamentary address, Ms Kealy drew attention to the impact border closures with South Australia have had on the three schools and their participation in local sporting leagues.

"How can the Minister say 'all young people will have similar opportunities' when Edenhope, Balmoral and Goroke colleges have had their funding cut?

"I urge the minister to stand up for these students who have been deeply impacted by the COVID pandemic, deeply impacted by COVID restrictions and reinstate the Edenhope, Balmoral and Goroke colleges in the list of schools to receive Advance program funding in 2022."

Seven schools in the Wimmera will still be eligible for Advance funding in 2022.

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