Released 10/05/2011

Enrichment Grants to help young women realise their dreams

ACT Minister for Women Joy Burch is calling on Canberra women to nominate for the Audrey Fagan Young Women's Enrichment Grants.

The program offers grants of up to $2,000 to support girls aged 13-18 to develop or enhance their skills and knowledge in their area of passion.

Recipients in last year's program included a young woman who wanted to further her studies to become a pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force, an aspiring photographer, an aspiring violin maker, and a ballerina.

Ms Burch said women had until June 30 to submit their applications. The aim of the Young Women's Enrichment Grants is to encourage and enable young ACT women to. A total pool of $10,000 is available in the 2011 program.

"The Enrichment Grants Program aims to inspire young women to develop or enhance their skills and knowledge within their area of interest through a supportive mentoring relationship," Ms Burch said.

"One of the principal strengths of the Enrichment Grants is that they provide an opportunity for young women to make decisions, take responsibility, or initiate projects in collaboration with experienced mentors."

The Audrey Fagan Young Women's Enrichment Grants Program is a component of the Audrey Fagan Scholarships Program, which honours ACT Chief Police Officer Audrey Fagan and her contribution to the promotion of women in public life.

Information and application packages on the Audrey Fagan Young Women's Enrichment Grants are available from the ACT Office for Women by phoning 6205 0515, emailing women@act.gov.au or visiting women.act.gov.au. Applications close on 30 June 2011.

Media Contact: Victor Violante victor.violante@act.gov.au
Phone: 6205 0145
Mobile: 0421 846 201