Young people will develop the skills and knowledge they need to support future employment, education and training opportunities through a NSW Government grant program which opens today.

Member for Tweed Geoff Provest MP said local not-for-profits, community groups and councils are being encouraged to apply for grants of up to $50,000 as part of the NSW Government’s Youth Opportunities program.

“These grants will help young people develop tangible skills to support future employment, education and training opportunities,” Mr Provest said.

“They will also support young people’s participation, engagement, and inclusion in the community.”

The Youth Opportunities grants provide one-off, time-limited grants between $10,000 and $50,000 for programs targeting children and young people aged 12-24.

Since the program began in 2012, Youth Opportunities has provided $13.3 million to 282 projects across NSW.

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said the focus this year will be on organisations delivering programs that build tangible skills or qualifications that will help with future job opportunities.

“We want young people to be engaged in their local communities and participate in grass-roots programs that will provide them with a platform to gain meaningful employment and learn new skills,” Mr Henskens said.

Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women Bronnie Taylor said the program is helping young people across the state reach their full potential.

“For almost a decade this program has engaged young people across regional NSW and a focus on jobs and skills this year will equip them with the tools they need for many years to come,” Mrs Taylor said.

For more information, or to apply, visit www.youth.nsw.gov.au/youth-opportunities/.