Scholars
"The entire package is so unique. The strength and support comes
from the inter-linked components of financial business
partner, mentor and scholarship management team!"
Desiree Reupena, Alumni Scholar, First Foundation Class of 2004
"Such a practical scholarship. You get the mentoring, you get
the financial help and now with the Alumni, you get an ongoing
networking community."
Bobby Shen, Alumni Scholar, First Foundation Class of 2006
"In transitioning from high school into a professional
environment, with exposure to a corporate working
environment, I gained really valuable skills. The skills and
confidence I gained from being in these environments have
without a doubt transferred into my time in Medicine."
Aradhna Raj, Alumni Scholar, First Foundation Class of 2001
Scholarship Partner
"When you are asked to choose a student to support, you ask
yourself 'how hard can this be?' And then you find out. Each time
we've been humbled by the experience, meeting students who bring
the word excel to life, not only academically, but also personally.
We've seen students who have coped with personal challenges that
would daunt some of us and face them with courage and
determination. How could we say no to continued involvement?"
Patrick Baker, Director of Finance, Ford Motor Company
Funding Organisation
"The Todd Foundation has a goal to "help young people develop
their potential and contribute fully in the community". We think
First Foundation's innovative three-way match - between a talented
young person who might not otherwise undertake tertiary study, a
business who provides employment and subsidises fees and a mentor
who walks alongside the young person through their tertiary study -
is a great fit to this goal."
Kate Frykberg, Executive Director, The Todd Foundation
Mentors
"It is good to step outside your own life and see the world
through someone else's eyes. It gives you a more balanced and
compassionate perspective because it makes you realise there are
many people in this world who are hugely talented but life doesn't
always give them an even break."
David McGrath, First Foundation Mentor
"There are laughs and joyful moments and moments when the
different perspectives make you realise how your own ideas and
experiences are just that - your own - and they don't necessarily
apply to others. No two people's experiences will be the same and
many aspects of the transition from school to uni are a small
part of a much greater journey."
Burnette O'Connor, First Foundation Mentor
Partnering School
"The opportunities that First Foundation Scholarship recipients
at One Tree Hill College receive are simply amazing. The holistic
support offered to these students is rare in society today and
really set them up for a life-time of success. One Tree Hill
College's First Foundation Scholarship students are hard working,
focused and committed. They are part of our college's high
performance group who set the academic tone of the college. Other
students see them as role models and aspire to emulate their
success. We are very proud to be involved with First
Foundation."
Nick Coughlan, Principal, One Tree Hill College