Bright futures for scholarship recipients

Thirteen students from secondary schools in the greater Wellington region were welcomed and congratulated at a luncheon at Whitireia this week.  These students were all recipients of 2013 Whitireia School Leaver Fee Scholarships.   

Whitireia have been offering these scholarships for five years now, being first introduced in 2008 said Fiona Wain, Schools Liaison Manager, Whitireia.  “They are extremely popular amongst the schools and students in our region with applications far exceeding the number of scholarships we have available.  This year’s recipients are of a high calibre, we look forward to following their study progress during their time here and celebrating their success when they graduate”. 

A total of 91 scholarships have been awarded to students since 2008. Over the last four years 27 of these students have graduated with a Whitireia qualification, seven students will graduate next week with another 16 expected to graduate by the end of this year.  Forty one scholarship recipients are still completing their qualifications.

Successful 2013 scholarship recipient Ariel Baker from Aotea College is so excited about her study on the Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) programme at Whitireia.   “My experience so far has been amazing, the support for Pacific and Māori students is fantastic and the environment is not too big – it has not been a big change from school. It was the reputation of the Whitireia Teaching programme that made me apply to study here and pursue my career in Early Childhood Education.  I can’t wait to graduate and I’ve only just started!”

Andrew Gartrell from Onslow College decided on Whitireia for his study in Performing Arts (Singing) due to it being local and having a good reputation.  “Whitireia is a great place to learn, my tutors are all so passionate.  So far my tertiary study experience has exceeded my expectations.”

This year’s scholarships were awarded for a range of programmes including the Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education), Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic), the Diploma in Performing Arts (Singing) and (Dance), Bachelor of Applied Business Studies and the New Zealand Diploma in Business.

The scholarship, valued at $4,000 assists with tuition costs for the recipients first year of study on a Whitireia multi-year diploma or degree programme.