Applications for youth scholarships are open until 1 October for those from the Papakura Local Board area aged 18 to 24.
Board chair Brent Catchpole says scholarships are provided for academic and trades purposes and have already funded everything from medical and religious studies to plumbing and building courses.
“What matters to us as a board is that our young people know there is help for them so they can pursue academic and trades training.”
“There are a lot of barriers in front of our young people. Course fees can be high, books and technology are expensive, and travel costs are higher for young people from areas like ours, that aren’t home to major training institutions.”
Applicants must live in the board area, be a New Zealand citizen or resident, and or have shown leadership potential or helped others in the community.
Funding must be used in the 2022 year to enable them to move into further education and training, or to attend events in New Zealand based on youth leadership and development.
Board members undertake an assessment session soon after applications close to decide on the scholarships, which are announced at the October business meeting.
It is the fourth year of the programme, with this year’s budget set at $15,000, and each scholarship at a maximum of $1500.
Applications should support any or all of the board’s priorities, allowing young people to develop and grow as leaders, fostering Māori culture, helping young people to contribute, prosper and thrive, enabling them to participate, celebrate and contribute to their local community, and improving the overall well-being of Papakura.
All applications must completed online and there is more information here.
