SCHOLARSHIP PARTNERS

“One idea, five cities, 11 years, and 229 lives transformed. That’s the simple story behind First Foundation, a unique educational trust founded to give young New Zealanders, with plenty of talent but few financial resources, a ‘hand up’ to tertiary education.

The one idea was Steven Carden’s. At 24 years of age, with degrees in law and arts and a wealth of family support, he had the education and the upbringing to do almost anything in life. However, he also recognised the same opportunities weren’t available to everyone, especially students in low-decile schools. Steven’s response was to develop a scholarship that would help to remove the barriers many talented but financially disadvantaged students face in reaching for and achieving their goals and aspirations.

In 1998, the three inaugural scholarships were awarded in Auckland. Now, 11 years on, First Foundation awards scholarships in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Whangarei and 229 students have participated in the programme. There are 123 current scholars involving 87 businesses. 40 new scholarships were awarded in 2009. Each scholarship is changing a life”

If you are interested in finding out more about First Foundation and what we do or you are already interested in becoming involved, please do get in touch – we would love to hear from you.