Salvos team up with Toyota to drive young people’s potential

The Salvation Army is committed to assisting young people achieve their potential by offering training and educational opportunities.

 BY LAUREN MARTIN

A scholarship program funded by a Salvation Army corporate partner is helping teenagers and young adults connected with Salvo youth programs access educational assistance.

The scholarship, sponsored by Toyota Australia, was launched earlier this month.

It allows young people, with the help of their Salvation Army youth worker, to apply for assistance with course fees, textbooks and e-learning materials, laptops, tools, uniforms and transport costs for education or training.

There are three rounds of applications, with 50 grants of up to $1500 available, and funding above that amount if special circumstances are met.

In a statement, Toyota Australia said the scholarship is about enabling access and opportunity: “We recognise that many young people accessing Salvation Army services demonstrate capability and commitment to their goals and often while navigating complex circumstances.

“These scholarships acknowledge that relatively small, well-timed financial support can make a significant difference in sustaining engagement and enabling progress in education, training and employment.” 

Stephanie Wilks says the scholarship is a ‘tangible investment in youth’.

Stephanie Wilks, The Salvation Army’s General Manager, Youth and Education, said the support from Toyota Australia is a wonderful recognition of the potential of young people engaging with The Salvation Army’s youth services.

“The scholarship provides recognition, encouragement and a tangible investment in their future pathways,” she said.

Successful candidates will continue to be supported by their Salvation Army youth worker as they work towards their education and training goals, with the aim of securing employment and building a sustainable future.

Across Australia, The Salvation Army supports young people impacted by homelessness, unemployment, alcohol and other drugs, and disadvantage due to inability to access supports, education and services. The Toyota Australia youth education scholarship gives young people connected with the Salvos access to opportunities that would otherwise be out of their reach.

For more information on Salvation Army Youth Services, click here