Applications for Papakura Local Board youth scholarships far exceeded the budget, but 12 recipients will share the $15,000 available.
A feature of the applications was the large number seeking help with the travel costs associated with accessing higher education.
Board chair Brent Catchpole says the aim of the scholarships is to support the development of local young people and grow them as leaders.
“We are also joining the Tuia Programme next year, which offers a rangatahi the chance to be mentored in the local government area.
“Young people are the leaders of tomorrow and we need to show our own leadership by supporting them in any way we can to secure their futures and deliver on the huge potential they have.”
While most of the grants were to young people accessing tertiary study, scholarships can also be given to people participating in trades training, and events that develop leadership potential.
“We need to get away from this idea that scholarships are only for academic pursuits because many of our young people prefer careers in industry and the trades, and those are equally valuable pursuits.”
Nine of the scholarships were granted for course-related costs and travel, one for a laptop, one for tools and one for tools and obtaining a restricted license.
Read more about the Tuia programme here.
