The scholarships—backed jointly by the University and its donations arm, the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation—are unique for their provision of wrap-around support, and because they are given to young people who have demonstrated resilience, rather than being based solely on academic ability.
“We are delighted to welcome these 12 extraordinary young people into the Victoria University of Wellington community,” says Vice-Provost (Research) Professor Margaret Hyland.
“These scholarships, and the wrap-around support we will give the students, will enable them to pursue their passion and excel in their chosen area, thereby helping to open the future for them. We believe in the power of a high-quality tertiary education and are dedicated to the success of each of these scholarship recipients.”
Each recipient was educated at a low-decile secondary school in the wider Wellington region, and they will receive $50,000 over three years to pursue their studies, including their first year in managed hall accommodation. Most of the students have a Māori, Pasifika, or refugee background.
The recipients of the 2021 scholarships are: Asma Alboghobeish and Miracle Suailua from Porirua College; Aleena Heitia and Shaniyah Munroe from Mana College; Maria’e Ulutui from Bishop Viard College; Ivy Beck and Nicole Odeyemi from Wainuiomata High School; Shekyna Lolouta and Maepa Saolotoga from Naenae College; Daniella Gibson from Aotea College; and Kayla Faitele from Taita College. Dianna Revell, also from Taita College, receives $40,000 from the James McIntosh Scholarship, courtesy of the Perpetual Guardian Foundation.
The 12 young women are enrolled in a range of faculties across the University, and aim to study everything from software engineering to law, finance, and population health, policy, and service delivery.
As well as financial support, the students will have one-on-one academic mentoring, be supported by a student adviser from a similar background as theirs and be part of service and leadership development programme Wellington Plus.
Wellington Plus connects students with other students, employers, and people in the not-for-profit sector across Wellington, and encourages the development of leadership, social responsibility, and employability skills. It includes guest workshops and seminars, and students work towards the Wellington Plus Award, which goes on their academic transcript.
Although funding is secure for three years’ worth of scholarships, the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation wants to ensure they are secure for the next decade, to help more than 100 students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue tertiary education at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Donors interested in supporting the scholarships should contact development-office@vuw.ac.nz.