Rocket Lab, the cutting-edge aerospace company with a launch site in Māhia, has an account with The Gift Trust to administer their Rocket Lab scholarships. These scholarships were founded to encourage students from the Māhia peninsula and the greater Wairoa region in the Hawkes Bay to pursue university studies in science, technology, mathematics and engineering. The scholarship covers up to $20,000 of tertiary education fees for up to four years of study and also includes hands-on mentoring from Rocket Lab.
Rocket Lab announced in December 2018 its scholarship recipient for 2019 is…Mya Mataki-Wilson.
After a rigorous selection process, Mya Mataki-Wilson was chosen from a pool of talented candidates as this year’s scholarship recipient after demonstrating her passion for engineering and problem-solving.
Mya will begin her tertiary studies at the University of Auckland in 2019, where she plans a conjoint degree, studying a Bachelor of Engineering and a Bachelor of Arts. The 17-year-old says she eventually wants to be a civil, or chemical and bioprocess engineer.
Mya says she’s thrilled to be awarded the scholarship as it will give her the freedom to focus entirely on her studies.
“The scholarship will be a huge help. It will take the financial stress away and allow me to concentrate on my study, putting me in a strong position for my future. I loved school-work, especially science and maths, so I’m very much looking forward to broadening my skill set at university. The engineering degree will be a great match for me.”
Rocket Lab Founder and Chief Executive Peter Beck says, “It’s so important we invest in our next generation of innovators and technology leaders. Growing a talented pool of STEM professionals is something I’m passionate about. Rocket Lab is honoured to support dedicated students like Mya while they develop their skills for the future.”
Mya is the second annual Rocket Lab scholarship winner. The 2018 recipient was Arianna Ormond. She is now in her second year of study which is supported by Rocket Lab.
The Rocket Lab scholarship is designed to foster continued excellence and innovation amongst New Zealand’s future science, technology, mathematics and engineering leaders. Applications for the annual Rocket Lab scholarship open each year in October at www.rocketlabusa.com
The Gift Trust is administering the scholarships on Rocket Lab’s behalf and we are delighted to be working in partnership with them. If you’d like to speak to us about administering your company giving programme please contact us here.
