SCHOLARSHIPS The Rocket Lab Scholarship covers up to $20,000 of study fees for one outstanding student and offers the opportunity to be paired with a Rocket Lab mentor, giving them a rare opportunity for one-on-one experience with a world leading space and engineering expert. The Rocket Lab Scholarship is open to students pursuing education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Students who whakapapa to local iwi and/or have a strong connection to Mahia or the Wairoa district are prioritised and strongly encouraged to apply. ABOUT THE ROCKET LAB SCHOLARSHIP The Rocket Lab Scholarship – now in its fifth year - is part of Rocket Lab’s dedication to encouraging New Zealanders into STEM careers and building a generation of home-grown talent. Rocket Lab recently launched its national Space Ambassador program that delivers inspiring and interactive education experiences to schools throughout the country inspire students. The company has also supported more than 60 tertiary students through internships at Rocket Lab, with 90% of those students graduating into full time permanent positions. Rocket Lab also introduced New Zealand’s first aerospace apprenticeship, which allows New Zealanders to gain a trade qualification in Aeronautical Engineering for the first time, with 20 apprentices currently undertaking their aerospace and composites trades qualifications at Rocket Lab. ROCKET LAB SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION Applications for the annual Rocket Lab Scholarship open in term four each year. Download the Rocket Lab Scholarship application here. ROCKET LAB SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS 2021 Encouraging students into STEM and space is a cause close to our heart, so we are thrilled to share that this year we are supporting not one but TWO New Zealand students with Rocket Lab Scholarships to study at university in the same year. Hinewairere Sollitt-Mackey from Ruatoria and Pikitangarangi Ratapu from Mahia, who both whakapapa to local iwi, were selected as this year’s Rocket Lab Scholarship recipients after demonstrating clear determination and passion to pursue careers in science and engineering. Ms Sollitt-Mackey, 22, plans to study Engineering at the University of Auckland, returning to her dream career after a lack of support caused her to withdraw from the field at the University of Canterbury. She has been working in construction on Transmission Gully, near Wellington, picking up skills that motivated her to make another attempt to study engineering. Pikitangarangi Ratapu, 17, plans to study Biology and Chemistry at the University of Auckland and has a strong interest in the natural world. Mr Ratapu’s close connection to his whanau and iwi came through in his scholarship application, where he spoke of volunteering at community gatherings and supporting hui at his marae. Mr Ratapu spoke directly to the power of satellite technology in monitoring climate change and how Earth observation data can be used to mitigate environmental hazards; a particular passion of his sparked by working with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) PhD students doing marine monitoring at the Horokaka and Te Toka Tamure Mahinga Mataitai reserves. Congratulations, Hinewairere and Pikitangarangi! We're privileged to be supporting you to pursue your dreams and excited to see you bring your passion and ideas to our changing world. PREVIOUS ROCKET LAB SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Clive Hook-Pomare A member of East Coast iwi Ngāti Kahungunu, Clive Hook-Pomare was selected as the Rocket Lab Scholarship recipient after demonstrating perseverance to become a doctor and return to his hometown Wairoa once fully qualified to serve his community. Mr Hook-Pomare is studying a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Auckland. Niamh Stratton Niamh Stratton was selected as a Rocket Lab Scholarship recipient after demonstrating a clear passion, dedication, and determination to becoming an astrophysicist and exploring deep space in the discovery of new stars and planets. Miss Stratton is studying a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree with a double major in Physics and Astronomy at the University of Canterbury. In 2019, Niamh was Head Girl of Campion College and one of only ten secondary school students chosen from around the country to be a SWAPA (Student With A Passion for Astronomy) and attend the national Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand’s annual conference. She was also amongst a select group of high school students to attend the Otago University Advanced Schools Science Academy science camps last week. Outside of her studies, Niamh volunteers as the Treasurer of the Gisborne Astronomical Society’s Junior division; as a Hospice Youth Ambassador, volunteer for the Gisborne Cancer Society, and as a Tairāwhiti youth environment group member coordinating community events; and offers Peer and Academic Support for younger students to improve education. Mya Mataki-Wilson Mya Mataki-Wilson was selected as a Rocket Lab Scholarship recipient after demonstrating her passion for engineering and problem-solving. Miss Mataki-Wilson is studying at the University of Auckland, towards a conjoint degree of Bachelor of Engineering and a Bachelor of Arts to become a civil, or chemical and bioprocess engineer. Arianna Ormond Arianna Ormond was selected as a Rocket Lab Scholarship recipient to study a Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Canterbury. Miss Ormond plans to specialise in mechatronics, an interdisciplinary engineering field that includes aspects of mechanical, computer and electrical engineering. Like to know more? enquiries@rocketlabusa.com Sign up for Rocket Lab updates YOUR EMAIL SUBMIT CONTACT US LAUNCH ELECTRON NEUTRON LAUNCH WITH US SPACE SYSTEMS PHOTON SATELLITE COMPONENTS SATELLITE RADIOS SPACE SOFTWARE SEPARATION SYSTEMS ABOUT ABOUT US TEAM COMMUNITY GALLERY MISSIONS NEXT MISSION COMPLETED MISSIONS LUNAR CAREERS JOIN THE TEAM SCHOLARSHIPS EDUCATION INVESTORS NEWS SHOP TERMS & CONDITIONS PRIVACY POLICY ©2021 ROCKET LAB USA