Post-program opportunities
As a Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (QIYLP) alumnus, you will have access to a wealth of opportunities designed to develop your skills, benefit your community and connect you with a robust network of 784 QIYLP alumni.
Discover how you can continue your journey of growth, long after your QIYLP experience.
Professional development grants
After completing QIYLP 2024, participants had the opportunity to apply for professional development grants of up to $2,000.
These grants could be used for education, training, career opportunities, leadership goals or conferences and events.
The categories of professional development grants were:
- Enterprise Development
- Economic Diversification
- Health and Wellbeing
- Volunteering and Community Participation
- Youth Support and Services
- Environment
- Arts and Culture.
From QIYLP to WIPCE: A Journey of Connection, Culture, and Shared Strength
Meet Jaeda. a QIYLP alum who applied for a professional development grant to attend the 2025 World Indigenous People’s Conference on Education (WIPCE) in Auckland.
Hosted by the World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium, the conference provided Jaeda with the opportunity to connect with Indigenous peoples from around the globe and learn about their cultures, challenges, and achievements in areas such as:
- political and social issues
- environmental and ecological sustainability
- economic development
- cultural preservation and connection to Country.
“Attending WIPCE was a life-changing experience that allowed me to immerse myself in the stories, struggles, and successes of Indigenous peoples worldwide. This opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without the QIYLP Professional Development Grant, and I’m deeply grateful to the Office for Youth team and Glencore for their support.”
– Jaeda on the personal impact of these grants
Community project grants
After completing QIYLP 2024, participants could unlock funding of up to $4,000 for their own community project.
These projects had to align with 1 of 6 key focus areas:
- Family and Social Influences
- Education, Training and Employment
- Sports, Health and Wellbeing
- Volunteering and Participation
- Support and Services
- Arts and Culture.
The QIYLP Community Project Grant supports young people to design and deliver locally led events that strengthen community connection, cultural identity and wellbeing.
Transforming communities: Alumni projects that made an impact
Talaseah’s project, the Steps to Success Sports Day on Mornington Island, brought together young people—predominantly aged 12–18—in an inclusive, culturally safe environment that fostered confidence, leadership and a strong sense of belonging. Partnering with local organisations, the event celebrated diversity, strengthened community connections, and created a positive space for young people to engage, connect and be inspired.
First Nations traineeship
Following QIYLP 2024, participants could apply for a temporary, full-time Program Support Officer (AO2) traineeship with the Office for Youth to support the development and review of QIYLP 2025.
A word from our 2024 trainee
"Working in the Office for Youth has been a wonderful and rewarding experience to be a part of real and meaningful change.
It has opened my eyes in how the youth in Queensland are valued and heard especially within the government sector."
– Takeisha
Networking
QIYLP has welcomed 784 participants since 2004, when the program started.
As an alumnus, you will be able to access a rich network of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders.
Our monthly online Yarning Circles are the perfect opportunity for the QIYLP Alumni community to come together and have a space to share our stories.
You will also receive a fortnightly Alumni Amplified newsletter, which provides:
- up-to-date employment opportunities
- leadership and training opportunities.
If you have questions about the post program opportunities, please email QIYLP@hpw.qld.gov.au.