Big response to TLC scholarships

3 September 2018

Twenty-five local school leavers have applied for study scholarships from The Lines Company (TLC).

TLC launched the TLC Inspiring Local Minds Scholarship in July this year, aimed at school leavers pursuing further education or training linked to skills needed by the company. Five $2,000 scholarships for each year of study are available. The scholarships are for three years, meaning successful applicants could be awarded up to $6,000 each.

Applications were received from students leaving Piopio College, Ruapehu College, and Ōtorohanga College and from local students who had been schooled elsewhere but had grown up locally and whose families lived in the King Country.

The applicants have plans to study a range of specialities including engineering, commerce, law, accounting, and trades. They will study next year in Dunedin, Wellington, Hamilton, Auckland and Christchurch and most plan to return to the King Country when their study is complete.

TLC chief executive Sean Horgan said he was impressed at the level of commitment some of the students already have to the wider community.

“Many are involved in a sport, either playing or coaching or both. Some are involved in youth groups, some work part-time or do volunteer work for organisations like DoC,” Horgan said.

“All of the students want to use their skills to help whanau or their community which will be a great outcome for the region. They are a really inspiring bunch with the kind of qualities and values we are looking to support.”

All short-listed applicants will attend a face-to-face interview with a selection panel within the next few months. The five inaugural scholarship winners will be announced later this year with the first part of the scholarship paid before study fees are due.