Rocket Lab, the global leader in small satellite launch, has opened applications for its annual Rocket Lab Scholarship
to those eager for a future in innovation, science, or engineering.
The Rocket Lab Scholarship covers up to $20,000 in tertiary fees for one outstanding student to pursue a degree or
course in STEM education. The recipient is also 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 applicants across the country to encourage and support the next generation of
science and engineering innovators. However, applicants who can demonstrate a strong connection to Māhia and the wider
Wairoa District in Hawke’s Bay – where Rocket Lab’s New Zealand launch site, Launch Complex 1, is located – are
prioritized and strongly encouraged to apply.
The creation of Rocket Lab was the catalyst for New Zealand’s growing space economy valued at more than $1.69 billion.
Rocket Lab’s success in delivering 55 small satellites to space has led to the creation of more than 450 highly-skilled
jobs in New Zealand. The development and creation of Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, the world’s first orbital launch site
located in Māhia, has injected $5m+ million dollars into the region through direct and indirect employment in support of
launch operations and infrastructure projects. In education and training, Rocket Lab earlier this year established an
Aerospace Apprenticeship programme through which technicians can achieve a trade qualification in Aeronautical
Engineering in New Zealand for the first time. Rocket Lab also offers internship opportunities across its production
facilities globally, and free educational resources aimed at students in Years 5-13.
Rocket Lab CEO and founder Peter Beck says: “We created the Rocket Lab Scholarship to support the next generation of
Kiwi science, engineering, and technology innovators. STEM continues to play an increasing role in solving some of the
toughest challenges facing our country and the world, from climate impacts to feeding a growing population, and we’re
proud to give students a stepping stone into careers that will make a difference.”
Previous Rocket Lab Scholarship recipients include Gisborne’s Niamh Stratton, who is studying toward a double major in
Physics and Astronomy at the University of Canterbury, and Mahia’s Arianna Ormond and Mya Mataki-Wilson, who are
studying computing and mathematical sciences and towards a career as a civil or chemical and bioprocess engineer
respectively.DETAILS ABOUT THE ROCKET LAB SCHOLARSHIPRocket Lab Scholarship application forms are available here: https://www.rocketlabusa.com/careers/scholarships/The scholarship covers up to $20,000 in tertiary fees for up to four years of tertiary study.Applications are open until 5pm NZT, Friday, 16 October.Available to all New Zealanders pursuing education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Applicants who can demonstrate a strong connection to Māhia and the wider Wairoa District in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand,
are prioritized and strongly encouraged to apply.