YAL Connect is not your typical educational scholarship program. We strive to support young people facing various challenges that hinder their educational aspirations. These obstacles are unique to each person, and regardless of their magnitude, YAL is committed to standing by them throughout their journey.

Funds awarded by end of 2025

It was in 2014 when we officially launched the JJ Boss Simons Charitable Endowment Trust after the YAL board saw to it they wanted to support young Australians in contemporary Australia.

The board at the time looked at the scholarships on offer in Australia and sought to offer one, unlike the rest. We recognised that there is more to consider in a young person’s journey through education and that one size most definitely doesn’t fit all.

It was this nuanced decision that saw the creation of YAL Connect, a scholarship that allowed the recipients financial freedom to ensure they stayed on their educational journey whatever that looked like to them. Which has grown and developed into a more holistic approach with access to one on one mentorship with a youth worker to give that more individual support