Rocket Lab scholarships open

Niamh Stratton

Up to $20,000 of funding is up for grabs with entries now open for the annual Rocket Lab Scholarship fund.

The Rocket Lab Scholarship covers up to $20,000 in tertiary fees for one outstanding student to pursue a degree or course in STEM education. The recipient is also paired with a Rocket Lab mentor, giving them a rare opportunity for one-on-one experience with a world leading space and engineering expert.

Applications are open across the country to encourage and support the next generation of science and engineering innovators.

However, applicants who can demonstrate a strong connection to Mahia and the wider Wairoa District in Hawke's Bay – where Rocket Lab's New Zealand launch site, Launch Complex 1, is located – are prioritised and strongly encouraged to apply.

A Rocket Lab statement said its success in delivering 55 small satellites to space has led to the creation of more than 450 highly-skilled jobs in New Zealand, while the development and creation of the world's first orbital launch site at Mahia, has injected more than $5m dollars into the region through direct and indirect employment in support of launch operations and infrastructure projects.

“We created the Rocket Lab Scholarship to support the next generation of Kiwi science, engineering, and technology innovators. STEM continues to play an increasing role in solving some of the toughest challenges facing our country and the world, from climate impacts to feeding a growing population, and we're proud to give students a stepping stone into careers that will make a difference,” founder and chief executive Peter Beck said.

Previous Rocket Lab Scholarship recipients include Gisborne's Niamh Stratton, who is studying toward a double major in Physics and Astronomy at the University of Canterbury, and Mahia's Arianna Ormond and Mya Mataki-Wilson, who are studying computing and mathematical sciences and towards a career as a civil or chemical and bioprocess engineer respectively.

“More important to me than the financial grant is Rocket Lab's mentorship programme as it's such an invaluable opportunity,” Niamh said.

“The knowledge, connections, and experience that will be available to me will support my career from day one, and I will always be thankful for this opportunity. Rocket Lab is a true inspiration, and a New Zealand-founded organisation helping young Kiwis like this is incredible.”

Applications are open until October 16, and application forms can be downloaded from https://www.rocketlabusa.com/careers/scholarships/