26 November 2015

Mayoress’ Scholarships Announced

Four students from Auckland’s lower decile schools have been awarded Mayoress’ Fund for Youth scholarships.

River Jorgensen, Racheal Kaitu’u, Penina Latu and Tule Mahe - selected as scholarship recipients from more than 30 applications - will receive $12,000 for their final year of school and their undergraduate degree.

The scholarships are run through the First Foundation which supports the students, assigns them a mentor and will organise work experience so they can earn extra money. The Mayoress’ Fund for Youth is managed by Auckland Communities Foundation.

Mayoress Shan Inglis says she is delighted a third round of grants from the independent charitable fund has been made.

“Education and opportunity are just so important, as is seeing the best possible outcomes from the donations people originally made to this fund,” she says. “We are very clearly ticking both of those boxes with these four extraordinary recipients who do not now need to worry about money - they can focus on their study.”

From One Tree Hill College, River Jorgensen is planning to study at Auckland University for a Bachelor of Health Sciences or Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science.
Racheal Kaitu’u from Tamaki College will study a Bachelor of Arts Psychology major, Pacific Studies minor.
Kelston Girls’ Penina Latu is also planning to attend Auckland University studying for a Bachelor of Medicine. Tule Mahe from Southern Cross Campus wants to become a registered nurse and will study a Bachelor or Health Sciences

“The overall value of the scholarships is $88,000 and we are very pleased to have had such strong interest and well-deserving recipients,” says Auckland Communities Foundation Chief Executive Hilary Sumpter. “It’s a great example of how Auckland Communities Foundation can help match people who want to make a positive difference in their community to students who get a fantastic opportunity through the First Foundation.”

Representatives from Auckland Communities Foundation and First Foundation interviewed the applicants, which were of an exceptional standard. “We are grateful for the generous contribution from Auckland Communities Foundation’s Mayoress Fund which will help academically talented and worthy students to achieve their potential through tertiary education and prepare them to positively influence and benefit their communities,” says First Foundation CEO Annette Fale.

The Mayoress’ Fund for Youth was established to support the health, well-being, educational opportunities and employment of young people living in Auckland. The fund makes grants from money raised by the Westpac Mayoress’ Charity Gala Ball and other fundraising events.

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