At Youth Off The Streets, we believe that all children and young people deserve the chance to achieve their potential.
That’s why our founder, Father Chris Riley, created the National Scholarship Program (NSP) in 2004.
“I started the program so that we could support young people who show the potential and desire to further their talents – but who, without assistance, would struggle to move forwards,” Father Riley wrote in celebration of the program’s 10th anniversary.
“My focus was to empower them to transform their futures through the development of their skills, confidence and relationships with each other, their families and communities.”
In the first year of the NSP, 10 scholarships were awarded. Recipients were provided with mentoring and study guidance for two years, as well as the financial support they needed to pursue their education.
Our program alumni’s successes
Sam Alderton-Johnson was one student selected for the NSP the following year.
“I was looking for financial support so that I could pay for course fees, books and resources,” remembers then-18-year-old Sam.
“But it wasn’t just about the money. It was about being recognised as someone who was trying to succeed despite their challenges.
“I was really proud to achieve the scholarship.”
“It’s my way of giving back and paying it forward”: Sam tells his story
In the two decades since, Sam has led a diverse and successful career in the youth justice and public sectors. He now runs a successful First Nations consulting firm, Impact Policy AU, and is busy building his own scholarship program based on Blak philanthropy.
“It’s my way of giving back and paying forward the support that got me where I am,” Sam says.
He isn’t the only NSP graduate who has accumulated personal and professional accomplishments.
Some of the program’s successes include a 2007 recipient, who was able to study critical care and paediatrics at university – all while caring for a newborn baby.
Meanwhile, a member of the 2008 cohort is now employed at South Australia’s Department for Child Protection.
Another 2013 graduate is a clinical marketing researcher and product planner at a medical device manufacturer in Japan.
Casey was awarded a scholarship in 2023. The funds are allowing her to complete a criminology degree at the University of Tasmania and receive the mentorship that she needs to thrive.
“John is a great mentor. He is caring, kind and funny and he gives me wonderful advice,” Casey says.
“John has shown me my strength and courage. He also cheers me on as I reach my goals, which is so heartwarming.”
A new beginning: learn how the NSP is assisting Sunrise to realise her musical dreams
The future of the program
The program has grown exponentially in the last few years.
Twenty-five new mentors were trained and recruited in 2024, joining the ranks of 66 established volunteers. Three new scholarships were funded and a record total of 39 scholarships were awarded – an increase of 85% from 2020.
In addition, young people from Queensland to Tasmania were selected from a highly competitive pool of 94 nominations this year.
One student hopes to become a Formula One racecar engineer; another is training to join the Penrith Panthers when he turns 18. Two others hope to compete in various track and field events at the 2032 Olympic Games.
As Jude Lopez, program lead for the last five years, explains, “I have the best job in the world.”
“I have always had a burning desire to support young people in need. Now, my goal is to advocate on their behalf and realise Father Riley’s belief that no child or young person should be left behind.
“I feel honoured and blessed to be leading this wonderful program – and with the support of our amazing sponsors and donors, we hope to be in a position to offer 50 scholarships by 2030.”
For many years, Jude has been supported by program coordinator Christalla Dedousis.
“Seeing the young people grow over their two years in the program is incredibly rewarding,” Christalla says.
“I love seeing them accomplish their goals, whether they want to pursue teaching, social work, neuroscience, engineering or community services.”
“Some recipients even give back to the NSP, whether by mentoring other young people, teaching them to drive through the iDrive program or raising money for Youth Off The Streets via their high schools.”
A number of 2024 recipients will be studying at institutions across the country and preparing to give back to their communities.
Youth Off The Streets CEO, Judy Barraclough, has a special message for the dozens of mentors and sponsors who have made these young people’s achievements possible for the past 20 years.
“I’m incredibly proud of what has been accomplished through the National Scholarship Program,” Judy says.
“I am so grateful to the sponsors and mentors who share our belief in the power of education. Your support is an inspiration and a gift these young people will remember for the rest of their lives.
“Thank you for making this possible.”
Learn more about the National Scholarship Program or find out how to sponsor a scholarship.
* Images and names have been changed to protect the privacy of the young people.