Background

As a research-based global company, Bayer has supported environmental and education initiatives for more than 100 years. In particular, the company in partnership with the United Nations, supports a number of global projects aimed at increasing environmental awareness and improving knowledge of the environment among young people.

In late 2004, Bayer approached the Royal Society of New Zealand to explore setting up a suitable environmental education programme in New Zealand. After several discussions, the idea for the BAYERBoost Environmental Scholarship Scheme was born.

Rationale

Secondary school and tertiary students intending to study environmental sciences or related areas are encouraged to participate in summer work programmes, often voluntarily, to gain experience that will support their future careers. BAYERBoost aims to sponsor such students in their vacation work/research projects. By assisting financially, BAYERBoost aims to reduce students’ reliance on loans to continue their study, as well as enabling young people to gain skills experience appropriate to their chosen field of study.

Eligibility

Applicants

The BAYERBoost scholarship scheme is open to Year 12 – 13 school students and tertiary undergraduate students who are engaged in study at a New Zealand academic institution. Applicants must be either a New Zealand citizen, a permanent New Zealand resident or have a permanent humanitarian visa, and be aged 24 or under at the time of applying.

Host Organisations

The Host Organisation must be able to take on a student for 6 – 12 weeks, be able to fulfil all health and safety, insurance and taxation requirements, be responsible for the overall supervision of the student, and be recognised as a suitable organisation for the BAYERBoost scholarship scheme by the Royal Society of New Zealand.