Grants to help teenage girls pursue their dreams

Teenage girls are being encouraged to apply for grants of up to $2000 to help with further study or development in their area of interest, under a new ACT Government initiative.

Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher MLA, said the inaugural Audrey Fagan Enrichment Grants program would help five local young women each year pursue their dreams.

"The grants program, which is now open to girls aged 13 to 18, will provide one off payments of up to $2000 to enable them to study or seek further development in their area of interest," Ms Gallagher said.

"Specifically it will help young women who, without financial assistance, would struggle to realise their goals.

"By providing the grants to girls while they are still in their teenage years they are able to start their journeys earlier to career or academic success."

Ms Gallagher said the grants scheme was named to honour the ACT's former top police officer, Audrey Fagan.

"Ms Fagan was a fine Chief Police Officer who showed leadership, passion and commitment in both her professional and personal life," she said.

"The Enrichment Grants will be available each year, along with a number of other scholarships honouring Ms Fagan."

More information and application packages on the Audrey Fagan Enrichment Grants are available from the ACT Office for Women by phoning 6205 0515 or emailing women@act.gov.au or visiting women.act.gov.au