The grants are part of the Australian Government’s commitment to provide $10 million over two years to community language schools to help young Australians learn another language.
Through stream two, community language schools can apply for funding of up to $25,000 for projects that build the capacity of the community language sector across Australia, such as the development of teaching resources and professional development programs.
Community language schools are encouraged to partner with language associations or organisations, such as universities, institutes and consultants to deliver these projects.
Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said learning a language other than English helps prepare students for a workforce which is increasingly global and competitive.
“Community language schools play an important role in helping to build strong communities and strengthen our social cohesion,” Mr Tudge said.
“We want more children and students learning a second or third language, which will in turn have positive impacts well into the future.” About 1000 community language schools across Australia may be eligible for the grants. These schools specialise in 69 different languages and teach more than 100,000 school‐aged children.
Applications for stream two close on 6 March 2020.
Applications for stream one opened in December 2019, and close 17 February 2020. Under stream one, eligible language schools that apply for funding will receive a base payment of $1,500, as well as a per capita amount of funding based on student enrolment numbers, capped at a maximum of $30,000 per school per year.
For more information about the Community Languages Multicultural Grants Program and how to apply, visit the Community Grants Hub website at www.communitygrants.gov.au.