During 2014 the CPIT Foundation continued its support for a range of projects involving CPIT students and staff.
Key initiatives included funding for CPIT to mentor and work with student teams to enter EVolocity – the largest electric motor sport event in the country. EVolocity promoted the use of electric vehicles and encouraged young people to innovate, invent and become involved in the future of transport. Fifteen Canterbury schools developed custom made vehicles to race in the event. The activity encouraged young people to engage in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) studies and provided a practical opportunity to showcase skills in this area.
The Foundation also made six grants to Food and Hospitality students this year as part of the Karen Lewis Awards. The grants enabled students to gain additional work experience or assist with costs associated with career development. Selected students undertook international work experience and training while others were assisted to purchase equipment required for their transition into the workplace.
The Foundation provided financial assistance for Architectural studies students to participate in FESTA 2014. Twenty two students participated in the Heart of the City programme and gained valuable on the ground experience.
Funding for an intern to gain work experience within Plains FM was also provided.
The Foundation has also provided key financial support for the Rakatahi awards that support Māori and Pacific Island students in their endeavours. The awards recognise young Maori and Pacific Islanders who demonstrate strong leadership within their communities and schools.
“The CPIT Foundation provides financial support for students and academics within CPIT to undertake opportunities and gain experience that may not otherwise be available because of financial constraints. We are delighted that we have been able to support such a wide ranging programme and we know that this has made a difference to grant recipients. Our grants are not just about recognising outstanding academic performance. Importantly, they recognise the wide range of skills and training on offer through CPIT and they provide support for people in those areas who might just need a stepping stone,” said Carl Pascoe Chair of the Foundation.
The CPIT Foundation is committed to continuing to provide support to CPIT students and staff to assist them with educational opportunities, and over the coming year we encourage people associated with CPIT who fit the grant criteria to submit an application for funding. More information on how to apply can be found at www.cpfoundation.co.nz.
Information on the CPIT Foundation
CPIT Foundation grants must contribute to the overall goals of the Foundation which are:
- To promote and support the general educational purposes and activities of the Polytechnic.
- To improve the educational facilities of the Polytechnic.
- To provide financial assistance (including the provision of scholarships and bursaries) to students of the Polytechnic on such conditions (if any) as they deem appropriate.
- To support student educational activities of the Polytechnic.
- To support staff education and development projects of the Polytechnic.
- To support innovative educational projects undertaken by staff of the Polytechnic.
- To support any other educational or charitable enterprise.