First Foundation NZ Partnership

In 2024, L'Oréal Groupe in New Zealand is proud to partner with First Foundation to launch the L'Oréal For Youth scholarship for tertiary education, specially created for care-experienced young New Zealanders. This will be L'Oréal first scholarship in New Zealand, aimed at unleashing the potential of talented care-experienced young people, providing them with life-changing education and support.

In New Zealand, it has been found that 95% of young people in care hoped to continue their education after completing secondary school, with 70% aspiring to attend university. However, care-experienced young people face greater challenges in pursuing post-secondary education compared to their peers. These barriers include a lack of preparation, support, and resources, and less long-term supportive relationships*.

Since 2009, L'Oréal Groupe in New Zealand has been providing support to care-experienced young New Zealanders and are now excited to announce the expansion of this support through the L'Oréal For Youth scholarship. This program aims to provide comprehensive support for these young people to pursue higher education and unlock their full potential. The four-year scholarship helps these talented people navigate from school, through higher education and into a meaningful career.

First Foundation launched 25 years ago with a simple mission: to give young New Zealanders with plenty of talent but few financial resources a ‘hand up’ to tertiary education. Along with financial assistance, First Foundation connects scholars with dedicated mentors from Year 12 and provides introductions to the professional world. This dramatically improves each student’s opportunities in life and creates a ripple effect on their families and communities.

Our Inaugural L'Oréal For Youth New Zealand Scholar, Chazidy Leef Koia, was recognised at the 2024 First Foundation Awards Celebration on Tuesday 6th May.

“At L’Oréal, our mission is to ‘create the beauty that moves the world’. It is an honour for us to extend our support to young care-experienced individuals in New Zealand through the L'Oréal For Youth scholarship program, in partnership with First Foundation. By offering this scholarship, we aim to empower and uplift these young individuals, enabling them to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on their communities.” Marnie Carroll, Corporate Affairs & Engagement Director L’Oréal Australia and New Zealand

‘L’Oréal is helping give talented Kiwis from challenging backgrounds the opportunities many of us take for granted. First Foundation has honed its model over the last couple of decades; this is not your typical scholarship. L'Oréal's support means more talented scholars can reach their potential and achieve their dreams, and we'll all share a brighter future.’ Kirk Sargent, CEO, First Foundations

About L'Oréal For Youth

L'Oréal For Youth is a global program for youth employment helping young people around the world shape their future and start their career.

*Source: Oranga Tamariki Voices of Children and Young People Team (2019). Experiences of education for children in care in Aotearoa New Zealand