Veronique, Jesse, Amy from Bridge to Brighter Futures Program
01 July 2025
In Brief:
A summary of what the story is about
- The ACT Government Adult Community Education (ACE) Grants Program provides funding to Canberra not-for-profits.
- The program aims to help Canberrans overcome barriers to training, education and employment.
- This article details how a current grant recipient is using the funding.
The transition into work or study isn’t always easy.
Bridge to Brighter Futures aims to support young people with this next step, through a free 10-week program.
The course is delivered at Belconnen Youth Centre by Capital Region Community Services and funded through the ACT Government’s Adult Community Education (ACE) Grants Program. This program and is now open for term 3 enrolments for 17–24-year-olds.
Jesse heard about Bridge to Brighter Futures while attending The Corner, Belconnen Youth Centre’s Dungeons and Dragons nights.
With an interest in technology and creativity, he was looking to gain new skills.
After completing six weeks of learning with the Bridge to Brighter Futures Program, Jesse transitioned into a work experience placement with the Capital Region Community Services, Marketing and Communications Team.
During this placement, he got the opportunity to work on The Corner’s social media and website.
Jesse brought thoughtful ideas and a fresh perspective to the team, including suggestions for better engaging young people online.
He said the placement was positive and fun. He particularly appreciated having his own workspace and being given meaningful tasks, rather than routine or administrative work.
Bridging the gap
Bridge to Brighter Futures gives young people, between 17 – 24 the chance to develop their confidence and practical skills to enter the workforce. Especially those who have disengaged from traditional education.
It focuses on:
- recognising individual strengths and interests
- tailoring support to help participants explore volunteer opportunities
- finding secure jobs
- building the capacity to pursue education
- career pathways.
Manager, Nicole Palmer said the program was developed in response to a need.
“Our team identified a significant gap in services for young people who have disengaged from traditional education pathways,” she said.
The program offers:
- free access to essential skills in literacy, numeracy, English and IT
- young people support to pursue further study
- a pathway toward meaningful employment.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring no young person is left behind,” Nicole said.
“We are excited to continue working alongside the community to support brighter futures for all.”
Jesse finished the program feeling confident, respected and included.
He now hopes to pursue further study and become a software engineer.
The Adult Community Education (ACE) Grants Program
Capital Region Community Services developed the program thanks to ACT Government funding from the ACT ACE Grants Program.
The 2024-25 ACE grant round provided a total of $240,000 in funding to three projects:
- Capital Region Community Services
- Stepping Stone Social Enterprise
- Woden Community Service.
The projects aim to help Canberrans with basic skills training and support. To help them overcome barriers to education, training and employment.
To find out more visit the Bridge to Brighter Futures website.
Find out more about the ACE Grants Program.
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