53 The AIS remains a leader in promoting gender equality and in 2016–17 designed a new Women in Sport Leadership Program ‘Stepping In’. The program was launched on International Women’s Day, 8 March 2017, by Minister Hunt and theMinister for Women, SenatortheHonMichaelia Cash. The program aimstoprovideintensivetargetedleadershipdevelopmentopportunitiesforidentified futurewomenleadersinsport.Theprogramisbeingdelivered by Melbourne Business School over one year through a series of face-to-face residential labs, immersive experiences, executive coaching, individual assessment and regular feedback and reflection sessions. In its first year the program is supporting 18 women with placements determined through a competitive selection process. Investment in the next generation continues with the Local Sport Champions program funding 5,699 emerging sportswomen and sportsmen with a total of $2.85m in 2016–17. The program provides $500 grants for athletes, coaches, umpires or referees aged 12–18 years old to attend an official NSO or School Sport Australia endorsed state, national or international sporting. The funding assists in covering the cost of travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment and helps reduce monetary barriers for families with children participating in elite sport.