A First Foundation scholarship is a unique partnership between a
Scholar, their Scholarship Partner, Mentor and Partnering School,
and First Foundation itself. Everyone pulls their weight.
This partnership begins at secondary school, with the
scholarships awarded at the end of Year 12 ensuring Scholars get
the support they require in their crucial final year at school to
gain the qualifications needed for acceptance into tertiary
study.
For the next 4 years, our Scholarship Partners provide paid,
part-time work experience for their Scholars. As part of our
"hand-up, not a hand-out" philosophy, each Scholar is expected to
save $1,200 a year from their savings. These monies are paid into a
Tertiary Trust Account, held by First Foundation. Each year, the
Scholarship Partner contributes a set amount to help meet the
student's tertiary fees and to fund First Foundation's support and
development programmes ($2000 in year one, then $6000 in years two,
three and four). Scholars are supported by Mentors, and their
progress is monitored by First Foundation.
All of the partners to the Scholarship meet annually for a
formal review to celebrate achievements, set new goals, and
identify areas for improvement.
The First Foundation 4 year tertiary scholarship
model
A First Foundation scholarship is about a lot more than money.
Financial hardship is just one barrier to tertiary education for
students from low-decile schools. Lack of role models and exposure
to academic and career opportunities, families who are unsure or
ill-equipped to provide support, and external pressures to
leave school can all frustrate participation and achievement in
tertiary education.
A First Foundation scholarship aims to break down these
barriers. Support and development programmes, exposure to working
environments, chances to meet and work alongside very different
people of all ages, and the encouragement of a Mentor are major
elements in the success of the programme.
The First Foundation experience also encourages our Scholars to
become role models for others, helping to create a "ripple effect"
where the benefits of the scholarship reach far beyond the
individual Scholars themselves.