NEWCASTLE University is creating a new mentoring program for Port Stephens girls to help them achieve a university degree.

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Empower is being built and offered to the girls at Tomaree High School and Irrawang High School in Port Stephens with students already tapping into the knowledge of women in business, and university workshops.

The university has a mentoring program called Lucy in place for current students which has been very successful and Empower will build on this program, helping school students to realise their aspirations of studying subjects like business and law.

Business, schools and students attended a landmark meeting this week at Irrawang High School determining some of the barriers girls face in going to university.

Tamara Young of Newcastle University told News Of The Area, “We are building a community of practice in building mentoring for Newcastle and its surrounds.”

“We are working on developing ways that will create partnerships between the University and Industry to build the community of practice,” she said.

“We want to help girls to develop their professional identity, build self marketing skills while developing a professional identity and employability skills.”

The program will be based around online tools including videos, workshops and support from business women who have been there and done that.

There was robust discussion on how girls could overcome barriers to achieving their aspirations.

You can find out more about the Empower program by contacting Kirrily Anderson at Newcastle University.

By Marian SAMPSON