A hand-up for young people2 min read

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An Onehunga-based youth trust has launched a crowdfunding campaign to carry on its work in granting annual scholarships to local high school students. The 36 year-old Onehunga Youth Trust has been described by one of its founding members, Greg Woodcock, as “low key” – but its influence on young people’s lives has been just the opposite.

The scholarship grant alternates between Onehunga High School and One Tree Hill College. It donates an annual grant to one student to cover some of the expenses of tertiary education – not more than $1500 per year over three years.

Carrie Dressler, who has been on the Trust’s board since 2015, was awarded the scholarship in 2008, when she was in her last year at Onehunga High School. Carrie, who grew up in a single-parent household, says that growing up there was “not a lot of money.” Receiving the scholarship meant that she was able to pay off her student loan much faster than her friends were able to. “The biggest thing for me was not to be in debt,” she says.

Carrie, who is currently the Trust’s chair, attended AUT, where she graduated with a BA in Design. A stint at Fletcher Building followed, and her career path then evolved into more of a marketing role, and she completed a few university marketing papers to upskill. She now works at NZ Post as a product manager, supplying e-Commerce solutions to online retail businesses.

Her advice to young people is “Jump in and give it a go.” She says there is a lot of pressure on school leavers who don’t know what they want to do. “Explore areas where you have an interest, and trust that you will find your calling,” she says.

To find out more about the scholarship, go to:

Givealittle – givealittle.co.nz/cause/onehunga-youth-trust

Facebook – facebook.com/onehungayouthtrust

 

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

The candidate must meet the following criteria:

1. To preferably reside within the boundaries of the old Onehunga and One Tree Hill boroughs (map attached). Candidates living outside the boundaries will be considered.
2. To be unable to fund the course fees him/herself
3. To be currently enrolled at either Onehunga High School or One Tree Hill College at the time of selection

4   To have the capability to succeed in the chosen course of study

5. To have taken part in extra-curricular activities within the school or community
6. To be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident