Overview
Since 2005, Cape York Leaders Program (CYLP) has empowered talented Indigenous leaders of all ages to reach their potential.
CYLP awards Cape York Indigenous students scholarships to Queensland’s leading boarding high schools and highly acclaimed tertiary institutions across Australia.
During their studies, scholars benefit from a comprehensive support and skills-building program, including ongoing case management, tutors, extracurricular leadership activities and mentoring.
Families are also active partners in this journey, contributing to their child’s education and investing alongside CYLP in thei child's future. This shared investment delivers lasting social returns on investment. With the right support, students complete school, pursue further study or employment, reduce reliance on welfare and contribute back to their communities and the wider economy.
Every CYLP student graduates with the skills and confidence to lead and be a role model for their community.
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Scholarships Awarded Since 20050
Leaders Supported in 20250%
Year 12 Graduation RateWhy it Matters
With very few secondary schools and no university campus in Cape York, many teenagers' schooling stops at primary school, limiting their future career aspirations and creating a cycle of disadvantage.
We know that Year 12 completion is the single most important strategy for Closing the Gap. When a young person finishes Year 12, the odds flip:
They are more likely to work, keep earning, and raise children who do the same.
Each year, demand for CYLP scholarships far exceeds the number of available places, leaving capable young people without access to a proven pathway into education, leadership and employment.
With more opportunities, we can close the gap in one generation.
Secondary Leaders
CYLP provides promising students with access to some of the best boarding schools throughout Queensland.
There are currently more than 100 students on a secondary scholarship. During school term, Leaders are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities as well leadership roles within their school and community.
We teach our students how to walk in two worlds and be proud of their culture, yet rise to any new opportunity.
Our Student Support Officers in each region provide our Leaders with holistic wrap-around support, identify employment/training opportunities and foster strong relationships with the student’s family.
Tertiary Leaders
CYLP supports Year 12 students from Cape York to transition to the workforce or continue on to tertiary education throughout Australia.
More than 20 students are currently on a Tertiary Scholarship, studying at the best universities throughout Australia.
CYLP provide students with a fortnightly payment to ease the financial pressure of living away from home, so they can focus on their studies.
Our Student Support Officers provide ongoing support and mentorship to keep them on track for success. In turn, these Leaders ‘give back’ to the program by mentoring and tutoring our Secondary Leaders at leadership camps, workshops, events and at school.
Alumni
When you join CYLP, you join a family of more than 625 First Nations people.
Our alumni can be found right throughout Australia working as lawyers, mayors, CEOs and other high-profile leadership positions. And, just as importantly, they can be found leading their home communities in Cape York. Every graduate creates a ripple effect that benefits far more than just themselves. They inspire, lead, strengthen and build their families and communities.
The social return is significant. When CYLP scholars complete school and move into work or further study, the investment is returned many times over through reduced reliance on welfare, greater contribution to the economy and generational change.
20 years of cape york leaders program
20 years ago, Cape York Leaders Program began with a vision that our children could walk in two worlds and make a meaningful contribution anywhere from Cape York to New York. This is our story.
Cairns
Cairns
Townsville and surrounds
Townsville
Rockhampton and Yeppoon
Rockhampton
Brisbane
Brisbane
University partners
Australia
- Australian Catholic University (ACU), Brisbane
- Bond University, Gold Coast
- Central Queensland University (CQU), Cairns
- Central Queensland University (CQU), Mackay
- Deakin University, Melbourne
- James Cook University, Cairns
- James Cook University, Townsville
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane
- University of Queensland, Brisbane
Partner Schools
The long-standing relationships with our Partner Schools is testament to both the quality of our program and the students themselves. You can find out more about these schools through our map.
Our Tertiary Leaders are encouraged to attend the university or colleges or their choice and can be found studying right throughout Australia.
Stories
