Give talented young Kiwis a brighter future
Many highly capable students are held back by their socio-economic status. With your help, we can change that.
Many highly capable students are held back by their socio-economic status. With your help, we can change that.
What’s happening now
Every young Kiwi should have the same chance to succeed
With your help, First Foundation supports bright young Kiwis whose circumstances make it harder to attend university – giving them financial assistance, paid work experience and a dedicated mentor.
Our four-year programme helps these talented New Zealanders navigate from school, through higher education and into a meaningful career. This dramatically improves each student’s opportunities in life, giving them the support and professional networks many of us take for granted.
Financial help
Each student is sponsored by an organisation, called a scholarship partner, which provides financial support over three years towards university costs.
Mentoring
We match students with a dedicated mentor, who helps them overcome challenges and transition from school to university, and into the professional world.
Work experience
Scholars get at least four weeks of paid work experience each year, growing their skills and professional networks while supporting them financially.
Exponential impact
Your support doesn’t only help students – it has powerful and lasting benefits for their whānau and community.
Young people in our programme are often first in their family to attend university, and become a positive influence on their whānau and communities for generations to come. Many use their improved finances to help support their parents, siblings or wider whānau, creating a ripple effect throughout all their lives.
“My whānau is forever changed”
I’m in a financially stable position and have enabled my mum to retire early. I support her, which has taken the burden off my siblings who have families of their own. We are on track to buy our first family home.”
MARTIN LA’A, 2005 SPARK SCHOLAR
Stay in touch
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What would you like to do?
Apply for a scholarship
Thrive at university with financial support, paid work experience and valuable one-on-one mentoring.
Give financial support
Provide vital support to deserving young Kiwis and help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
Mentor a student
Become a mentor to help a talented student from a disadvantaged background reach their potential.
Meet our alumni
Our alumni are trailblazers who make the most of every opportunity. Read their inspiring stories.
