Budding rocket scientists and engineers can apply for thousands of dollars worth of education fees, as Rocket Lab again looks to help boost Wairoa's technical expertise.
Applications for Rocket Lab's 2018 tertiary scholarship are now open, offering New Zealand's future innovators, scientists and engineers an opportunity to get a head-startin STEM (science, engineering, technology and maths) careers.
Now in its second year, the annual Rocket Lab scholarship encourages students from the Māhia Peninsula and wider Wairoa District in Hawke's Bay to pursue tertiary study in science, technology and engineering disciplines.
Through the scholarship, one outstanding undergraduate student each year will receive up to $5000 a year for tertiary fees, for up to four years of study – a total of up to $20,000.
The recipient will also receive hands-on mentoring from Rocket Lab.
Rocket Lab scholars must have a strong connection to the Māhia and wider Wairoa District, demonstrate an interest in science, technology or engineering and be involved in cultural, community or leadership activities.
"Growing New Zealand's STEM talent pool is something I'm very passionate about," Rocket Lab Founder and chief executive Peter Beck said.
"New Zealand is a global leader in space, innovation and technology, and Rocket Lab is proud to support students from Māhia and Wairoa to play an increasing role in that international success."
Last year's inaugural scholarship was awarded to Māhia local Arianna Ormond.
Ormond, who is studying a Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences at Waikato University, said the scholarship has given her the freedom to focus entirely on her studies.
"The Rocket Lab scholarship has been a huge help," she said.
"These days the first year of university is free, but there are still many other expenses involved with leaving home to attend university in another city.
"I was able to put the first year's scholarship fees towards accommodation costs, allowing me to focus on study. I'm looking forward to working closely with the Rocket Lab team for mentoring, as I progress my studies and work towards a career in artificial intelligence."
Her university grades have since helped her to land an internship with Code Avengers, an educational tech company that teaches people the skills to build websites and apps.
Applications for the Rocket Lab scholarship close on October 30, 2018 for the 2019 tertiary study year. To apply visit: https://www.rocketlabusa.com/careers/scholarships/
