Celebrating Our 2025 Outward Bound Scholarship Receipents
On 10 June, The Kollective buzzed with proud parents, teachers, donors and friends as we celebrated this year’s Outward Bound scholarship recipients. The evening was a reminder of what can happen when a caring community backs its young people to push past comfort zones and discover the “more in you”.
Twelve rangatahi from secondary schools across the Western Bay of Plenty and Whakatāne have earned places on the 21-day Tangaroa Watch course at Anakiwa. Students are nominated by their schools, then selected in partnership with Outward Bound staff for their commitment to school and community, demonstrated financial need, and potential to grow as leaders. Over three weeks they’ll tackle tramps, high ropes, dawn swims and team challenges designed to build resilience, perseverance and communication skills that last a lifetime.
None of this would be possible without our donors. Ten separate donor funds – including the late Bob Granger’s estate – now kōrero together to underwrite the scholarships year after year. As Acorn CEO Lori Luke said on the night, it’s a privilege to watch donor generosity “build resilience, perseverance and communication skills which deliver life-long benefits”.
Our most recent Vital Signs research found that 17% of residents are living with mental-health challenges, and youth identified mental health as their number-one concern. Experiences like Outward Bound give young people proven tools to manage stress, strengthen self-belief and connect with peers who’ll cheer them on long after the course ends.
How you can help
If you’d like to stand behind next year’s cohort, you can:
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Give to the Outward Bound Scholarship Fund – one-off or regular gifts are both welcome.
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Create your own named fund and support scholarships in perpetuity.
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Share the story – tell friends, colleagues and whānau why you believe in investing in our youth.
Every dollar invested today helps a young person return home stronger, more self-aware and ready to give back to our community. Thanks for being part of the journey.