It paved the way for broadcasters Hamish Blake, Andy Lee and Zan Rowe.
But now the future of a community radio station that also launched the careers of the Barefoot Investor Scott Pape and journalists around the country is under threat.
SYN broadcasters are under the age of 26 and the station recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, but there are fears it will have to wind up after a tough few years.
It couldn't run training and other programs that make money during the pandemic, is dealing with higher costs due to inflation and unexpectedly lost government funding.
A key grant from Victoria's education department dried up after a decade, while another grant from the Office for Youth remains in limbo.
Three staff members had to be let go and the RMIT-based station has given itself six weeks to raise enough money to stay afloat.
"We will be closing our doors potentially as early as the start of 2024 but details are still hazy because we're sort of holding our breath and waiting to see how the next few weeks go," general manager Ruby Smith said.
It has 300,000 monthly listeners, partnerships with stations across Australia and has seen 8000 young people complete training, including several high-profile alumni.
Andy Lee began broadcasting with Hamish Blake at SYN when the pair were university students and said it was instrumental to their careers.
"We had so much fun, so much opportunity there and it's really difficult to find spots to kind of hone your craft," he told AAP.
"There's only so much you can talk to your own tape recorder in your bedroom - actually being out broadcasting is a really unique opportunity and it feels heaps different when you're doing it live and have that experience."
He said it was an important place for people to have fun and make their mark both in front of a mic and behind the scenes.
"If they can rally through it I'm sure there is some great success on the other side," Lee said.
The station is also the first place ABC national music correspondent Zan Rowe took to the airwaves.
"There are not many places in Australia or the world that can train young people in media like SYN does," Ms Rowe said.
She said it helped her understand audiences, make bold editorial decisions and gifted her with lifelong friends and collaborators.
"You can’t underestimate the impact it’s had in the past 20 years, and the commitment it’s volunteers have given to keeping it going," she told AAP.
"It’d be a huge loss for media, and Victoria, to lose SYN’s voice."
The organisation is asking for donations and Ms Smith said young volunteers remain hopeful of finding a solution.
"(Closing would be) something that I think will be a huge blow to the sector, so it's devastating in so many ways," she said.
"Everyone's been incredibly supportive so far helping out in any way that they can, which has been really amazing to see."
The Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance urged the Victorian government to step in.
"It’s a local service for young people delivered by young people which enriches democracy by empowering and elevating a group in our society who need to be heard," union media section president Karen Percy said.
"At a time of continued uncertainty, the media sector needs more diversity not less, any closure is a blow to the industry."
The Victorian departments of education and families, fairness and housing have been contacted for comment.
