Swinburne Young Mums secures Victorian Government grant

Swinburne’s Young Mums program has been successful in securing government funding to ensure its micro business, Snuggle Boxes, can continue.

The Young Mums program, an initiative providing a supportive environment for young mothers to complete their secondary education, submitted an application to Pick My Project in August this year.

A Victorian-first community grants initiative, Pick My Project empowers locals to vote for the grassroots projects they would like to see brought to life in their community.

The Young Mums program is among 237 successful project ideas across Victoria that will share in $30 million in funding, with at least $1 million available in each metropolitan and regional area.

Young Mums program co-convener Samantha Jones says this funding will allow the Young Mums team to fully implement the Snuggle Boxes program, and continue to empower young women, readying them for the workforce.

Empowering young women

Snuggle Boxes is a social enterprise initiative developed by teen mums currently completing their schooling with the support of Swinburne’s Young Mums Program.

While carrying out the important role of mothering, this project will empower teen mums to develop new skills establishing a business as part of completing their education.

Program co-convener Louise Schilling says she couldn’t be prouder of the girls involved in the program and is thrilled to be able to continue to empower the girls with real-life skills, self-confidence, and a valuable support network.

“Students gain new skills and knowledge that can lead to employment or starting their own business,” she says.

“It’s promoting wellbeing for everybody – for the students and for whoever buys the product. That’s really important for the girls.”

“Learning should be engaging and meaningful, especially when you are facing so many new challenges in your life as a young mother. Pick My Project has allowed students to achieve this,” Ms Schilling says.   

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