Youth leadership programs
Australian Defence Force Cadets
The Australian Defence Force Cadets gives you the opportunity to develop skills, including teamwork, communication, leadership and confidence. Available through the army, navy and air force—a great way to make new friends and try something new.
Australia India Youth Dialogue
Australia India Youth Dialogue is a youth and young professional’s conference aimed at establishing strong relationships between young leaders from Australia and India.
Australian Youth Forum
The Australian Youth Forum gives you a chance to have your voice heard and to influence the development of Australian Government policy.
Australian Youth Mentoring Network
The Australian Youth Mentoring Network connects young people with business and industry. Get help to find a career path that interests you, learn new life skills, improve your grades and get the most out of your education.
Girls20 Summit
The Girls20 Summit brings together one representative from each G20 country as well as the European and African Unions. Open to girls aged 18–20. As the Australian delegate you will join women from around the world to debate, discuss and design ways to empower and increase the economic freedom of women.
Queensland Indigenous Youth leadership program
The Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership program invites 40 Indigenous youth, aged 18–25 to participate in the 6-day program each year. Held in Brisbane, successful applicants are selected from urban, regional and remote Queensland communities. Transport and accommodation is provided.
Left Right Think-Tank Fellowship Program
The Left Right Think-Tank Fellowship Program gives you the opportunity to learn how to create change in Australia within the context of government (public) policy. Australians aged 16–19, attending high school or the first year of university can join. You will network with other young leaders and engage with senior government policy staff. You will also have the opportunity to travel to Canberra as part of the Queensland team to pitch recommendations to the relevant minister.
Oaktree Generate Program
Generate is part of Oaktree Foundation, Australia’s largest youth-run organisation. They can teach you the skills needed to actively fundraise and campaign against world poverty—money raised is invested to educate people living in developing countries.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a leadership training program for people aged 14–30 from around the world. Get involved in workshops, events and camps through your local Rotary Club.
Ship for World Youth Program
Ship for World Youth is a cultural exchange program connecting more than 250 young people from around the world. Held over 2 months on a cruise ship funded by the Japanese Government, the aim is to equip you with skills to contribute to creating culturally aware youth across the world.
St John Ambulance Cadets
Joining the St John Ambulance Cadets teaches you first aid and also gives you the opportunity to develop leadership, teamwork and social skills.
The Smith family Indigenous Youth Leadership Program
The Smith Family Indigenous Youth Leadership Program offers leadership opportunities to Indigenous youth, focusing on Indigenous Australians from remote locations. You can participate in leadership workshops, apply for education scholarships, learn how to turn your educational goals into reality and speak with positive Indigenous role models.
United Nations Australian Youth Representative
The United Nations (UN) Australian Youth Representative gets to travel around Australia speaking with young people about the issues that mean the most to them. If selected, you’ll visit the UN headquarters in New York, as the voice of Australian youth at UN meetings and discussions. On your return, you will write a detailed report and travel once again around Australia to share your experience with other young people.
YMCA Youth Parliament
Find out about the YMCA Youth Parliament.
Young Endeavour Youth Scheme
The Young Endeavour Youth Scheme gives people aged 16–23 the opportunity to work with the Royal Australian Navy and disadvantaged people from around the country. You’ll also learn how to sail, develop teamwork, leadership and communication skills.
Young Social Pioneers
The Young Social Pioneers Program invests in people aged 18–29. Develop your leadership skills and learn how to contribute to social change.
