About us

The Girls Academy is the leading provider of school-based engagement programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls in Australia. 

The Girls Academy program was founded in 2004 by Olympian and champion basketballer Ricky Grace (MEdL, BPoLSc) and works within the school system to drive community-led solutions aimed at overcoming the obstacles that prevent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls from attending and achieving at school. Academy Girls receive intensive one-on-one mentoring and support from our team of skilled field staff, 80% of which are highly accomplished Indigenous women.

Our program increases the skills, employability, mental health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls throughout Australia – providing them with better opportunities to contribute to the social and economic outcomes of the wider community.

Academy girls are ready to make an economic contribution to our nation and to be part of the social change that is Closing the Gap. The Girls Academy equips girls with the tools they need to engage in their education, achieve their goals and change their communities.