The Queensland government has announced a commitment of $1.2 million over the next five years to support the further education of young women living in state care.
Child Safety Minister Shannon Fentiman said the money will go towards Queensland’s new higher education scholarship scheme for girls leaving care, delivered in partnership with The Smith Family.
“We know education is the key to a bright future and a rewarding career path,” Fentiman said.
“This scholarship program recognises young women leaving care face additional barriers that many Queenslanders do not and provides a helping hand should they wish to go on to further studies.
“We need to do all that we can to support these young women so they can benefit from the same opportunities as any other Queenslander.”
Fentiman said the scholarship will offer direct financial assistance to reduce the obstacles in accessing higher education, as well as mentoring, coaching, and support to establish connections and networks with potential future employers.
She said there will be two intakes of up to 50 young women per year over the next two years, so they can access scholarships for a course in their chosen field.
The Smith Family Queensland General Manager Alan Le May said that working together with the Palaszczuk government would provide better pathways for young women to reach their full potential.
“The scholarship program will provide targeted wrap-around support that help them to achieve in their studies and support them to pursue their career goals,” Le May said.
“Building on The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program we know it will deliver really strong outcomes for the students we are supporting, across all years of schooling.
“We look forward to working closely with the government, our corporate and higher education partners, to provide ongoing educational support for these disadvantaged young women who are leaving state care.”
QUT Director of Equity Mary Kelly said a number of Queensland universities were extremely supportive of the scholarship scheme.
“QUT and other universities across Australia are working to create pathways for young people entering tertiary education. This funding focuses on an important group and will provide support to help these students stay engaged in completing their studies,” said Kelly.