Who
will the scholarship program help?
While the majority of young
people in Australia successfully negotiate study
and careers, some young people confront barriers
that prevent them from achieving their best.
Father Riley and Youth Off The
Streets aim to break down some of these barriers,
by offering assistance to young people who have determination,
aptitude and skill in a chosen field or pathway and give them
the assistance and support that they need to achieve success.
The Youth Off The Streets Scholarship
Program celebrates the gifts and strengths of
young people from the Australian community who
exhibit extraordinary promise but who lack the
personal support networks and resources that
will allow them to fulfill that potential.
It targets young people aged between 14 and 21 years old,
who are disadvantaged and/or may be disconnected from their
families or communities and who are permanent residents of this country.
Since 2004, The Scholarship Program has supported over 80 talented young people,
from all over Australia.
The aim of the Scholarship Program
Father Riley's vision of the Scholarship Program is to bring
together combined resources, encourage corporate social responsibility and engage
the community to take responsibility for young people who have become disconnected
or are at risk of becoming marginalised. The Youth Off The Streets Scholarship
Program will coordinate this commitment and support in order to make a real difference
and lasting effect.
Over twenty young people from throughout Australia are awarded
scholarships each year to the value of $5,000 each to pursue further education or
training so they may realise their potential for a positive future.
Nominations for the Youth Off The Streets Scholarship
Program are not restricted to a specific study or training path. Nominations are
invited from young people with genuine talent, ability and determination in any field,
including (but not limited to): education and training; visual or performing arts;
sport; trade skills; and music. The wide-ranging goals pursued by the scholarship
recipients will encourage other disadvantaged young people to follow their dreams.
Youth Off The Streets Staff
The Scholarship Program Manager provides ongoing support and
guidance to each scholarship recipient for the duration of their scholarship.
A youth worker is also available 3 days each week to assist recipients with
personal issues such as housing, employment, healthcare, counselling and
other service referrals.
Support Network
Many of the scholarship recipients lack traditional support networks.
They may have lived independently from a young age or come from a refugee background.
They may not have any family support and are forced to provide entirely for themselves
or access community services. It is essential that a network of supportive adults come
together to help each scholarship recipient succeed. Youth Off The Streets staff work
to build connections in the young persons local areas, linking with other service
providers so that the support for each young person is provided in a holistic way,
taking into account all aspects of their wellbeing.
Community Mentor
Youth Off the Streets carefully matches each scholarship
recipient with a mentor. This relationship provides ongoing guidance and
support for the duration of their scholarship, encouraging adults from a
wide variety of backgrounds to become engaged and take responsibility for
young people in Australia.
In 2009, a call for nominations has been made to key identification
stakeholders in the local community such as schools, TAFE, community colleges,
youth groups, Lions clubs, Girl Guides, Scouts and Aboriginal youth organisations.
Nominations can be made on behalf of a young person or by the young person themselves.
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