$1.2 million to boost education for young women leaving state care

The Palaszczuk Government will ensure up to 100 young women leaving state care will have a brighter future thanks to a new scholarship scheme.

Child Safety Minister Shannon Fentiman said $1.2 million in the State Budget 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,” Ms 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. 

“In 2014, the Government’s Next Step survey of 163 young people in care in Queensland found just 10 per cent continued on to tertiary studies.

“Despite positive steps forward, women continue to face gender inequality that prevents them from participating fully in society and the economy.

“With the gender pay gap now higher than 20 years ago in Queensland, it is vital we take action to remove barriers preventing women and girls from achieving their goals.”

Ms 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.

Ms Fentiman said the Palaszczuk Government was proud to be working with The Smith Family to meet the needs of vulnerable young women.

“We recognise that life after care can be daunting and challenging,” Ms Fentiman said.

“With a little extra support, these young women will have the opportunity to follow their dreams and reach their career and study goals.”

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,” Mr 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.

“As a long-standing partner of The Smith Family, we recognise the important contribution the organisation is making to improve the educational and employment outcomes of disadvantaged young Queenslanders,” Ms Kelly said.

"QUT and other universities across Australia are working tocreate 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.”

Media Contact:

Minister Fentiman’s office: 0404 475 088

The Smith Family: 0487 900 131