Leaving school is a major milestone, bringing many decisions about careers and further learning. On top of that comes the cost, an invisible barrier faced by talented young New Zealanders looking towards tertiary education.
Earlier this year, student associations across the country warned more students than ever are facing financial stress due to rising costs of groceries, bills and rent – the necessities for life at university. On top of that, the Government has proposed to increase tertiary fees by another 6%.
Helping to reduce the barriers is the motivation behind the Milford Foundation Scholarship Programme. Since 2022, it’s supported 55 students and committed more than $1.38 million in scholarship funding across Aotearoa New Zealand so young Kiwis can reach their full potential.
The Milford Foundation has been privileged to see firsthand how transformative this support can be for students, and walking alongside them as they take on university has been deeply rewarding. Beyond the financial aid that students receive, the scholarship creates a brighter future for these students. Data consistently demonstrates that completing a bachelor’s degree significantly enhances earning potential, generally another $1.37m across their working lives. By opening the door to higher education, the programme gives students the opportunity to unlock rewarding career pathways and achieve long-term financial security.
To build on the success of the scholarship and continue its long-term impact, the Milford Foundation is partnering with First Foundation, a specialist organisation with over 25 years of experience guiding young people through tertiary study and onto their chosen career paths.
This partnership is an exciting step for the scholarship programme, reflecting its growth and success from the past three years. While the scholarship will continue to be fully funded by the Milford Foundation, First Foundation will lead the programme delivery, giving scholars access to an established nationwide platform with one-on-one mentoring, pastoral care, career development workshops, and direct connections to employer networks.
“This partnership is taking a scholarship programme that is already delivering great outcomes and giving our students access to the best resources and opportunities to thrive,” says Lucy Doyle, General Manager of the Milford Foundation.
One of the most exciting benefits of the partnership is the ability to support scholars earlier in their journey, giving them more time to prepare for tertiary study and setting them up for long-term success.
From 2027, Milford Foundation scholars will be selected in Year 12 to get a head start in preparing for university.
This support offered during high school will encourage scholars to maintain strong grades, give them time to prepare university applications and career options, and arm them with the knowledge and confidence needed for university.
Practically, this will be delivered via early mentoring, course-planning support, and a small financial contribution towards events such as university open days and campus visits.
First Foundation Chief Executive, Kirk Sargent, says partnering with the Milford Foundation is an exciting opportunity to empower young New Zealanders.
“Having the Milford Foundation Scholarship as part of our mentoring and workplace networks means these students won't just get to university; they'll have a whole community behind them helping them launch into great careers.”
Investing in future generations remains at the core of the scholarship. Combining Milford Foundation’s support with First Foundation’s delivery will give more New Zealand youth the ability to succeed in their future studies and careers, and help build financial security in their lives.