By Victoria Bowring | Head of ABCN Foundation
The Success of 2024
Our mission to empower high-potential young girls to thrive both personally and professionally continues to gain momentum. The three-year Accelerate scholarship program has been a cornerstone in transforming the lives of many young Australians, evidenced throughout November and December 2024, as ABCN celebrated the graduation of 45 scholars at five events around Australia.
At the same time, we formally awarded the new incoming scholar cohort, selected after a lengthy and difficult review process resulting from a high number of remarkable applicants.
Members of ABCN’s company and school networks, mentors and donors joined in the celebrations, fostering a sense of shared achievement and partnership.
A Graduate Spotlight
At the end of year events Graduates shared heartfelt stories of how the program transformed their lives, including academic accomplishments, personal growth, and future aspirations.
Leilani, from Melbourne, shared the impact the program had on her pathway to studying a Bachelor of Criminology and expressed enormous gratitude to those who made this possible, saying:
“Coming from an immigrant background, my family faced many challenges, but they always instilled in me the value of education and the importance of hard work. This scholarship became more than just financial support—it became a gateway for me to achieve something extraordinary. It allowed me to become the first in my family to attend university and pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer. It gave me a seat at the table a place that I thought was out of reach for me. It showed me that no matter where you come from, with the right support and determination, you can achieve your goals.
Tonight, I want to take this opportunity to say thank you.
To ABCN and the donors of the Accelerate program, thank you for your generosity. Your support doesn’t just change lives—it creates futures. To my mentor, Christina, and the program supporters, thank you for your encouragement, wisdom, and unwavering belief in my potential. This scholarship is more than just assistance; it is a powerful reminder that no matter your background, hope and opportunity can change lives. I am living proof of that.”
Welcome to the 2025 Scholar Cohort
As we see in the New Year, we also welcome the 2025 cohort of 31 new scholars which promises to be an extraordinary group.
Starting in early February 2025, ABCN will facilitate individual school meetings at which the scholars will meet their purposefully matched mentors and begin to establish relationships, set expectations and discuss program goals.
The beginning of the three-year journey to their personal success is always an exciting time, not only for the scholars but the mentors and ABCN staff alike. The full program will kick-off in May with the two-day Accelerate Leadership Summit in Sydney, at which the national 2025 scholar and mentor cohort will come together to build strong and lasting peer connections.
Our Deepest Gratitude
As we continue to change the trajectory of young girls' lives, equipping them with the skills, aspirations and support needed to realize their full potential, we thank you for your continued support in making ABCN’s vision a reality. Together, we are creating Equal Opportunities, Limitless Futures for all young girls.
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