2degrees supports First Foundation scholars with free phone plans

CEO Mark Callander says “First Foundation scholars are often the first in their families to go through tertiary study. We have been a proud supporter of First Foundation’s efforts since last year, and saw a great opportunity to help all the scholars stay connected during their studies.”

Callander says the work First Foundation undertakes changes lives. Without their help some of these scholars would never get the chance to go to university.

2degrees also provides financial support to a First Foundation scholar to help cover their university costs. First Foundation also provides mentoring and work experience to a scholar, to help them embark on a career post study.

The offer of a free phone plan is open to all 90 scholars, and is designed to help take away one more financial burden from the students.

First Foundation CEO Kirk Sargent said “This support from 2degrees makes a real difference. Staying connected helps our scholars focus on their studies and feel part of a community that backs them. It’s a small cost lifted, and a big message of belief. We both believe in fighting for fair, and this partnership proves it."

Callander says supporting First Foundation is a targeted way to live the company’s purpose of fighting for fair.

“It’s only fair that talented young people get the opportunity to go to university and embark on great careers – and are able to stay connected to their studies and their families while they’re there. First Foundation is transformative and an amazing organisation.”

The First Foundation scholarship sits alongside other early in career talent programmes at 2degrees including internships offered through our partner TupuToa, retail apprenticeships with certification delivered with the support of Te Pūkenga / Service IQ and a very successful 2degrees in-house graduate programme.