Help a young person pursue their education and training goals

Youth Off The Streets is seeking volunteer mentors from across Australia to support young people participating in one of our two scholarship programs:

National Scholarship Program

Each year, more than 40 young people from across Australia receive a Youth Off The Streets National Scholarship. Scholarships provide financial assistance for up to two years, along with dedicated support from our Scholarships team and a volunteer mentor who supports the young person throughout their scholarship journey.

Michael Schmaedicke Scholarship

The Michael Schmaedicke Scholarship supports young people aged 21 years and under from single-parent households who have demonstrated potential and a strong commitment to achieving their education goals. Recipients may receive up to $30,000 to assist with tertiary tuition fees, educational expenses and essential living costs, together with dedicated support and mentoring for up to three years (or the duration of their studies).

Our mentors walk alongside scholarship recipients as they pursue education, training and future goals. Through regular, consistent contact, mentors provide encouragement, guidance and a trusted relationship outside the young person’s immediate support network.

What You’ll Do
As a mentor, you will provide encouragement, guidance and a positive connection for a young person as they work towards their education and future goals. Your role is to support and empower them to build confidence, develop skills and achieve their aspirations. As a mentor, you will:

• Build a consistent, reliable and encouraging relationship with a young person as they work towards their education, training and future goals.

• Act as a positive role model, believing in their strengths and potential.

• Communicate respectfully and listen with empathy, patience and genuine curiosity.

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and respect their privacy and confidentiality.

• Assist with goal setting, problem-solving and building self-confidence.

• Share relevant professional knowledge and life experience where appropriate.

• Recognise progress and celebrate achievements.

• Maintain communication with the Scholarships Team regarding the progress of the program.

• Participate in ongoing learning opportunities and volunteer support meetings.

Mentoring is not counselling, casework or tutoring. Mentors are not expected to have all the answers. The role is to offer consistency, encouragement and a relationship grounded in empathy, honesty and respect.

We Are Looking for Mentors Who:

• Believe in the strengths, potential and aspirations of young people.
• Can listen with empathy, patience and genuine curiosity.
• Are reliable and able to make a consistent commitment.
• Communicate respectfully and without judgement.
• Understand the importance of maintaining appropriate boundaries and confidentiality.
• Are willing to learn from young people and value their knowledge, perspectives and lived experience.
• Can encourage and empower a young person without directing them or making decisions on their behalf.

We welcome applications from people with varied professional, educational, community and life experiences. We particularly encourage First Nations peoples and people from diverse cultural backgrounds, communities and identities to apply.