It’s time for a bank account boost for six Eastern Bay students, thanks to scholarships awarded annually by the Bay of Plenty Education Trust.

The scholarship recipients, who will head off to begin their tertiary studies shortly, will each receive $6000 distributed over their years of study.

This year’s recipients crossed the stage to receive their scholarships at functions held in  Tauranga and Whakatāne last week.

The ceremonies focused on celebration, encouragement and connection. Several previous scholarship alumni were also present to offer tips.

Sixteen Western Bay students were also recipients, with the scholarships being awarded to students from schools across the coastal Bay of Plenty.

Trust chairman Nick Earl said the trust, which had been operating since 1985, had assisted more than 450 students through their science, technology and emerging industries scholarships.

That was more than $2.2 million gifted in supportive funding, with the scholarship amount increasing over the years.

He said the trust was firmly committed to investing in tertiary education for the Bay’s young people.

“The transformative value education has on youth and communities should not be underestimated. Education is a powerful tool,” he said.

The recipients from the Eastern Bay are Mieka Miller (Rangitaiki College), Ethan Beach (Ōpōtiki College), Abeleye Turner-Manzonza (Tarawera College), Leah Bowe-Green (Trident High School), Rubi Kennedy and Harleen Kaur (Whakatāne High School).

This year’s students are heading off to study a range of subjects, including biomedical science, aerospace engineering and astronomy, occupational therapy, nursing, computer science, mechanical and civil engineering, architecture, veterinary science, and health science.

The trust’s community reach continues to extend.

In 2021, supplementary grants were established to expand the trust’s support for young people.

Recent recipients include Graeme Dingle – Project K, House of Science, Youth Encounter Programmes and Blue Light Ventures.