YAL Scholarship Recipients announced for 2020 Academic year Published on 5 February 2020

YAL Scholarship Recipients announced for 2020 Academic year

Supporting Young People Experiencing Disadvantages

Young Australia League (YAL) announced the recipients of its 2019 scholarships that will support them in the 2020 academic year and beyond. The nine scholarships, worth up to $8,000 annually, range in length from one to two years and are open to young people experiencing disadvantage who are Australian Citizens or have permanent residency in Australia. Their program of study must be undertaken in a recognised educational institute in Australia, including secondary schools, universities, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and Vocational Education Training (VET) providers nationally. 

YAL scholarships are intended to enable secondary and tertiary level students experiencing disadvantage to continue and succeed in their education. YAL recognises that disadvantage comes in many forms; from social and economic disadvantage, geographical isolation, financial disadvantage, to challenges with disabilities and family difficulties that can result in young people struggling at school or university. 

YAL was founded in 1905 by prominent WA businessman and politician, John Joseph (J.J.) “Boss” Simons, and the scholarships are funded through the charitable endowment trust created by the YAL board in 2014. Over the past five years, YAL has partnered with a number of corporate groups and private donors that have allowed the expansion of the scholarship program. The YAL scholarship program has supported 40 young recipients, the combined value of funds distributed through the scholarships is just over $350,000.  

2019 Recipients

YAL Lower Secondary Scholarship: Sophie Hennighan 

YAL & City of Swan Lower Secondary Scholarship: Calian Pavlovich  

YAL & Mulder Family Music Lower Secondary Scholarship: Aiden Rose 

YAL Upper Secondary Scholarship: Lewis Almond 

YAL Members Rural or Remote Upper Secondary Scholarship: Nicholas Hewton 

YAL & Schiavello Systems WA – Indigenous Upper Secondary Scholarship: Nyokah James  

Hilary Farrant Post-Secondary Scholarship for Students With Disabilities: Sophie Leclair 

YAL Post-Secondary Scholarship: Patrick Webster  

About Young Australia League (YAL): Young Australia League (YAL) is one of WA’s oldest youth organisations founded in 1905 by John Joseph (J.J.) “Boss” Simons to develop and promote the ideals of love, service and tolerance in the lives of young people. The not-for-profit organisation has an extensive history of training and mentoring young people throughout its 114-year history by connecting young people and creating opportunities for them through sponsoring local sporting teams and clubs. Former WA premiers Sir Charles Court and Geoff Gallop were members of the YAL. This year Sir Charles Court’s granddaughter Billie Court has joined YAL as its new patron.