As champions of diversity, the Institute of Community Directors Australia has long been focused on providing leadership opportunities to the most underrepresented sectors of the community.

Many organisations try to shape the decisions young people make on a daily basis, but many of these organisations fail to interact with the very demographic they are trying to influence. Youth on boards can offer new perspectives and insights into how to communicate with young audiences. As a sector, we need to embrace young people, and let them help us to help them. The Youth round of the ICDA diversity scholarships is for anyone aged 30 and below who is interested in joining a board.

Not-for-profit leaders will be given the chance to win a part-scholarship to complete ICDA’s acclaimed Diploma of Governance (BSB52318).

While ICDA has offered scholarships in the past for Australia's premier diploma-level governance qualification, rounds this year will offer opportunities to more individuals across more sectors, providing a leg-up to the most under-represented groups in the country.

Scholarship funding

The full cost of the Diploma of Governance is $4,500, comprising enrolment, assessment and administration. Partial scholarship recipients are liable for the remainder ($3,500).

The $1000 partial scholarships have been fast tracked to allow students to apply immediately for any of the targeted sub-sectors (this listing is about the Advocacy sub-sector), with decisions to be made on eligibility within 10 days of submission.

Applicants must demonstrate:

• that they are 30 years of age or younger at the time of application
• their experience sitting on a board or working closely with a board of directors
• their passion for young people on Boards
• the main opportunities and challenges for young people on Boards
• their reasons for wanting to improve their governance skills Applicants must also agree to the terms and conditions

• Phone: (03) 9320 6800
• Email: service@ourcommunity.com.au