Grants totalling $500,000 are available for projects to engage young South Australians and encourage them to be positive about their future.

Minister for Youth Ian Hunter said "These youthconnect grants represent the single largest pool of funding specifically for young people in South Australia."

Non-government and not-for-profit organisations, as well as Youth Advisory Committees, can apply for between $10,000 and $50,000 for projects to provide opportunities and support for young people between the ages of 12 and 25.

"The youthconnect grants put into practice the priorities the Government outlined in South Australia's Youth Strategy 2010-2014." Minister Hunter said.

"We have more than doubled the amount of funding available in these grants, which are specifically targeted at changing young people's lives for the better."

Grants applications need to address at least one of the following priorities:

• Health and Wellbeing - keeping young people safe from harm
• Education and Training - supporting disengaged young people (17-19 years of age) to get back into education and gain a qualification
• Engagement and Participation - providing opportunities for young people to become actively engaged in their local community
• Better Connections - developing practical guidelines, tools and resources to support organisations working with young people

Projects funded through the 2011 grant round included a school attendance program in Ceduna, a community engagement project in the Flinders Ranges and a training and education program for young vulnerable people in the Murraylands.

"These projects are great examples of local initiatives that respond directly to the needs of young people and provide a better future for young South Australians" Minister Hunter said.

Grant applications can be made on-line and further information is available at www.officeforyouth.sa.gov.au Applications will remain open until Wednesday, 29 February 2012.