PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 2026

First Foundation partners with Milford Foundation to build on scholarship success

A new partnership between First Foundation and Milford Foundation is amplifying the impact, scale and reach of two organisations dedicated to unlocking young people’s potential. Both Foundations share the belief that education is a great equaliser, and they are now combining forces to ensure more young people can reach and succeed in tertiary education.

The Milford team, with some of their scholars at a First Foundation event in Wellington.

Over 27 years ago, First Foundation founder Steven Carden saw that talent exists everywhere in New Zealand, but opportunity does not. Too many capable young people are held back by financial barriers and limited access to guidance or networks. Since then, First Foundation has awarded 1,099 scholarships to academically talented rangatahi pursuing university study. Most are the first in their family to graduate from university. All are creating ripples of change in their communities and future generations.

Milford Foundation’s Scholarship Programme has supported 55 students and committed more than $1.38 million in scholarship funding across Aotearoa New Zealand. Having seen the life-changing impact of this support, the Milford Foundation wanted to wrap even more care, guidance, and opportunity around their scholars as the programme grows.

First Foundation’s unique model has proven successful. It rests on three pillars of financial support, a dedicated mentor, and exposure to the world of work. The programme starts in Year 12 to help scholars navigate the critical transition between school and university.

Milford Foundation will continue to fully fund its scholarships while First Foundation will lead the programme delivery. This welcomes further bright young New Zealanders into an established nationwide platform with one-on-one mentoring, pastoral care, career development workshops, and direct connections to employer networks.

First Foundation Chief Executive, Kirk Sargent, says partnering with the Milford Foundation allows both organisations to work together for 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.”

Kirk Sargent, First Foundation Chief Executive

Lucy Doyle, General Manager of the Milford Foundation, is equally excited about combining Milford Foundation’s support with First Foundation’s delivery. It will give more New Zealand youth the ability to succeed in their future studies and careers, and help build financial security in their lives.

One of the exciting benefits of the partnership is the ability to connect with scholars earlier in their journey to better set them up for success. From 2027, Milford Foundation scholars will be selected in Year 12 to get a head start in preparing for university. 

The partnership is announced as student associations across the country warn more students than ever are facing financial stress. Despite this, 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 enter rewarding career pathways and achieve long-term financial security. Furthermore, when scholars are the first in their family to enter university, they create a generational change in circumstances that extends far into the future.

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