Applications for Papakura Local Board youth scholarships are now open.
Scholarships offer a maximum of $1500 for academic and trade purposes and are available to youth aged 14 to 24-year-olds, with applications closing on 15 September.
Board chair Brent Catchpole says while most of last year’s awards went to young people pursuing further education in fields as diverse as architecture to zoology, they were also awarded for help with leadership and trades training.
“The cost of living remains very much in the news and while this is not a huge amount of money, it is funding that could make a difference to families."
“There is no doubt some of our young people miss out on further education because of the costs and we believe that even at a time when our budgets are constrained, our rangatahi need to know we will stand with them.”
Scholarship funding can also be used to attend events to develop leadership skills, with the board committed to making the programme as open as possible.
“We want to help those who want to help their communities, which is why we put such a premium on those who volunteer or want to gain skills to do so in the future,” Catchpole says.
The grants are interpreted widely to include as many people as possible, with past awards funding youth programme costs, tools and performing arts work, although most have been for computers, course fees and travel costs.
Applicants must use funds in 2024 to move into education and training or attend New Zealand events based on leadership and development, have a genuine connection to the board area, be citizens or residents, and have shown leadership potential or a willingness to help others.
Assessments take place soon after applications close, with scholarships announced in October.
Applications are available online using this form. The form can be saved as you complete it. Answers can be written in another format and cut and pasted in, while those with limited online access book a librarian at Papakura or Takaanini for an hour for applicants to upload saved information.
Applicants will need to provide documentation confirming enrolment in tertiary study or bookings for leadership courses after the grant has been decided, but before the grant is paid.
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