WHY FIRST FOUNDATION?
Every young kiwi deserves the same opportunities
Unleash the potential of talented but disadvantaged New Zealanders, with life-changing education and support
Let’s level the
playing field
Socio-economic status shouldn’t stop young
people from achieving their dreams. But
many bright students simply don’t have the
financial resources and professional networks
most people rely on to get started in their
careers.
While financial assistance is crucial for students from lower-income
households, so is having role models who have been to university, and
access to work opportunities in the professional world.
With your help, First Foundation provides targeted support in all three
of these areas, to give talented Kiwis from challenging backgrounds
the opportunities many of us take for granted.
Financial support
Each of our scholars gets $4000 a year for three years,
to go towards their university costs. This takes away the
burden of a big student loan, making it easier for them
to attend university rather than going straight into
low-skilled work to support their families.
Mentoring
Many of our scholars are the first in their family to
attend university, and might not have tertiary-qualified
role models who can help them make this transition. We
match them with a dedicated mentor, who helps them
overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Paid work experience
Students with financial challenges also tend to lack
access to influential social and professional networks,
compared with their peers at high decile schools. To
provide this crucial source of information and opportunity,
we arrange for them to do at least four weeks of
paid work experience each year. This lets them grow
their skills and relationships in a safe work environment.
Let’s level the playing field
Socio-economic status shouldn’t stop young people from achieving their dreams. But many bright students simply don’t have the financial resources and professional networks most people rely on to get started in their careers.
While financial assistance is crucial for students from lower-income households, so is having role models who have been to university, and access to work opportunities in the professional world.
With your help, First Foundation provides targeted support in all three of these areas, to give talented Kiwis from challenging backgrounds the opportunities many of us take for granted.
Financial support
Each of our scholars gets $4000 a year for three years, to go towards their university costs. This takes away the burden of a big student loan, making it easier for them to attend university rather than going straight into low-skilled work to support their families.
Mentoring
Many of our scholars are the first in their family to attend university, and might not have tertiary-qualified role models who can help them make this transition. We match them with a dedicated mentor, who helps them overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Paid work experience
Students with financial challenges also tend to lack access to influential social and professional networks, compared with their peers at high decile schools. To provide this crucial source of information and opportunity, we arrange for them to do at least four weeks of paid work experience each year. This lets them grow their skills and relationships in a safe work environment.
“My life completely changed”
“OCS and First Foundation made my dream
a reality. My dream of making my parents
proud and changing the story of my family.
They have given me hope and have given
me wings – not only to reach for the stars,
but to go beyond them.”
DANIEL MEA’OLE-NAEA, 2017 OCS SCHOLAR
“My life completely changed”
“OCS and First Foundation made my dream a reality. My dream of making my parents proud and changing the story of my family. They have given me hope and have given me wings – not only to reach for the stars, but to go beyond them.”
DANIEL MEA’OLE-NAEA, 2017 OCS SCHOLAR
Our Partners
The First Foundation programme is funded by our partners, who
are businesses, trusts and personal funders who want to help
deserving young people make a difference in their community.
VIEW OUR HALL OF FAME
Our Partners
The First Foundation programme is funded by our partners, who are businesses, trusts and personal funders who want to help deserving young people make a difference in their community.
Our People
Meet our board >
The team
Meet our staff >
Get to know our alumni >
Our People
Meet our board >
The team
Meet our staff >
Get to know our alumni >
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.
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.