Sydney, Australia, 18 October – On Wednesday, YHA Australia celebrated the launch of the organisation's Travel to Learn Foundation in the company of various stakeholders and Foundation partners, alongside industry who gathered on YHA Sydney Harbour's iconic rooftop.

Aligning with YHA's always exploring ethos, the creation of the Foundation displays the organisation's ever-growing commitment to create lasting impact for travellers, the environment, and now Australia's young minds.

With many Australian families needing to cut back on discretionary spend as cost-of-living pressures continue to bite, research from The Smith Family reveals that 4 in 10 Australian parents believe that their children will miss out on vital educational opportunities outside of school. While 1 in 3 believe their children will miss out on school excursions due to financial stress.

By removing the financial barriers to curriculum-driven travel opportunities, the Travel to Learn Foundation supports Australian families to ensure young people do not miss out on developing crucial life experience.

YHA Australia will draw on its 80-year history supported by long standing industry partnerships to help young people through the Foundations three key goals:

Removing barriers to travel: YHA will subsidise the cost of travel for young people who are unable to participate in critical learning experiences, ensuring these opportunities are available regardless of a child's geographic location or financial position.

Empowering young people's career pathways: The Foundation will offer funds for tertiary or vocational education for those living in regional and remote areas, as well as facilitating career pathways for young people facing barriers to employment who wish to work in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Forging reciprocal benefit through social enterprise: Travel to Learn will partner with local purpose-aligned groups and organisations to offer tours, events, workshops and activities to disadvantaged young people.

Paul McGrath CEO of YHA Australia:
“At YHA Australia, we believe that travel has the power to transform lives. The 'Travel to Learn' Foundation was created to ensure young people are presented the opportunity to broaden their horizons through meaningful travel experiences.'

“By removing barriers that would prevent these young people from accessing meaningful travel experiences whether it be on excursions or extracurricular learning, we aim to inspire personal growth, foster education, and build confidence in those who need it most.'

“In the coming years, the Foundation will focus on offering scholarships and programs that enable young people to learn new skills, connect with diverse communities, and develop a global perspective. This initiative is all about empowering the next generation to realise their potential.”

YHA will create opportunities for young people to experience travel by engaging with schools and community groups, and partnering with established experience providers.

To learn more about 'Travel to Learn' and how you can support this initiative, take a look at the Foundation's launch report or YHA Australia's website here.