At Youth Leadership Academy Australia (YLAA), we are driven by a passion to empower the next generation of Australian leaders. As a youth-led, not-for-profit organisation, we specialise in equipping young people from Year 5 to Year 12 with the essential skills to lead themselves, their schools, and their communities.
YLAA delivers its mission through three core methods:
In-Person Events: Our National Tour features inspiring conferences, bringing together thousands of students to engage with top-tier speakers and hands-on workshops.
School-Based Programs: Tailored workshops conducted within schools, focusing on student leadership development and community engagement.
Partnerships with Government Agencies Through partnerships with local and state government, we deliver Youth Council Retreats,Regional Youth Summits and tailored solutions, providing young leaders with immersive experiences that foster community engagement and strategic thinking.
At YLAA, we believe in the potential of every young person to make a positive impact. Our programs are designed not just to educate, but to inspire a lasting movement of young leaders ready to tackle the challenges of today and shape a brighter future for all. Together, we are building a legacy of empowered youth who will lead with confidence, compassion, and a commitment to their communities.
2018.
An idea, host a one day event in Perth financially and geographically accessible for young people to realise their potential as young leaders and be equipped with the skills to lead their schools and communities.
By August 2018, this was a reality - 65 young people from 4 schools joined us at our first Secondary Youth Leadership Conference.
95.3% left the room feeling more prepared for the future and more confident to lead their school. These results are what made at the time 16 year old Wil Massara know that YLAA was needed in young peoples lives and that it must be led by young people.
Perth State Youth Leadership Conference, Leederville Football Club (28th August 2018)
Our Mission
To equip, educate and empower young people how to lead themselves, your schools and our communities across Australia.
Our Vision
A world where young people are confident and have the skills to drive meaningful change in their communities and build a more positive future.
Today.
50000
1500+
100%
Our Values
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Innovation
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Sustainability
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Growth
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Accountability
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Flexibility
How we make an impact
YLAA Featured Partnerships
Shire of Hay
Hay Regional Youth Project
Local Government
2 Year Project
YLAA partnered with the Hay Shire Council’s Youth Taskforce to deliver a series of impactful leadership programs, building essential skills in local young people. Over the span of two years, from March 2023 to April 2025, YLAA helped empower rural youth to lead within their community, delivering a range of tailored programs designed to enhance leadership capabilities, community engagement, and personal growth.
➡️ Read MoreWA Department of Communities
WA Youth Action Plan 2024 - 2027
State Government
Consultation
YLAA played a key role in engaging young Western Australians aged 18 to 25 for the WA Youth Action Plan 2024–2027, leading targeted outreach, consultation events, and workshops across metro and regional areas. Their efforts successfully gathered over 350 submissions, ensuring youth voices, especially from underrepresented communities, were included in shaping the State's strategic policy framework.
➡️ Read MoreCorangamite Shire Council
Corangamite Youth Leadership Summit
Local Government
Regional Youth Summit
The Corangamite Youth Leadership Summit brought together 150+ local students and featured inspiring young leaders, interactive workshops, and youth-led discussions focused on leadership, confidence and community impact.
➡️ Read More
More about us...
Our Partners
YLAA partners with impactful organisations around Australia to support and deliver programs and events around Australia. With the support of our partners we continue to educate, equip and empower young people with the skills to lead themselves, your schools and our communities across Australia.
As YLAA moves to a social enterprise over the next 12 months, we are now on the lookout for innovative, future focused organisations who are committed to building up the next generation of leaders and building a future we can all look forward too.
Partner with us
Youth Leadership Academy Australia is a Registered Not For Profit Organisation within The Youth Impact Foundation.
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