Supporting Future Pathways Beyond School

I Have a Dream, has partnered with Tikipunga High School to launch a new initiative to uplift and empower our Dreamers as they transition into life after school. The Pathways Programme is designed to provide targeted support during these pivotal years and offer scholarships to help Dreamers pursue vocational training, tertiary study, or meaningful employment opportunities.

The Programme aims to enrich the existing options available post-school, especially for Dreamers who may have missed out on or do not qualify for other programmes or scholarships. Recognising that some Dreamers are still exploring their future direction, the programme will start with Year 12 students to ensure opportunities can be tailored to meet each Dreamer’s unique needs.

Year 11, 12 & 13 students were invited to apply and 2026 pilot participants have now been selected.

Criteria

In order to be selected for, and to remain on the programme, participants must meet and maintain the following criteria:

• Attendance and engagement at school
• Endorsement from two or more school employees and ongoing positive behavioural reports from their kaiako/Whānau kaiako/Pou Ārahi/Leader of Learning
• Active participation in programme components, including regular meetings with their mentor and Navigators as required.
• Criteria for acceptance is at the discretion of I Have a Dream and subject to change.

PROGRAMME COMPONENTS

Mentoring

Mentoring aims to provide a purposeful, structured and trusting relationship, that brings young people together with caring individuals who share knowledge and offer guidance, insight, support and encouragement.

Each I Have a Dream Mentor is carefully selected from within the community and matched to align with a Dreamer’s needs. Mentors undergo the same police vetting process as our Navigators, receive training from I Have a Dream, and are supported by a dedicated volunteer and mentoring coordinator within our team.

Mentors will commit to meet with each Dreamer at least once per month and can also communicate occasionally by phone or online. The bulk of their time with each Dreamer will be face to face and they will focus on supporting their Mentee to overcome challenges, develop independence, expand their knowledge and succeed through their chosen pathway.

Enhanced Navigator Support

All Dreamers within the I Have a Dream programme at Tikipunga High School will continue to receive support and participate in programmes led by their designated year group Navigator who will work closely with the wider team to support each Dreamer to follow their chosen pathway.

To enhance this, we are introducing a specialised “Pathways Navigator” that will work closely with each Dreamers primary Navigator and will continue this support after the Dreamer leaves high school.

Financial Contribution

Dreamers who are selected for and continue to meet the requirements of the programme, will be eligible to receive a scholarship of up to $4,000 per year for three years after they leave high school.

This financial support will be targeted at costs related to their chosen pathway. Examples of this could be course costs, the purchase of equipment, or the provision of support services that the Dreamer requires in order to be able to succeed in their chosen pathway.

At the heart of this kaupapa are the relationships that hold our young people together: their mentors, Navigators, and just as importantly, whānau. When we walk together, our rangatahi flourish.

Our Shared Commitment

We see this programme as a partnership built on trust, open communication, and shared belief in your child’s potential. By being part of this pilot, we are asking whānau to commit to the following:

1. Stay Connected

• Remain engaged and supportive while your child is being mentored and guided.
• Attend occasional hui or check-ins when invited, either in person or online.
• Encourage your child to make the most of this opportunity.

2. Regular Check-ins

• Be open to regular contact with our Pathways Navigator, who will keep in touch to celebrate progress, share updates, and work through any challenges together.

3. Open Communication

• Feed forward important updates about your child, their achievements, challenges, or any changes that might impact their participation.
• Share successes and milestones so we can celebrate them alongside you.

4. Whānau Endorsement

Please include a short letter or written kōrero (no longer than one page) that shares:

• Why you believe your child would benefit from this opportunity.
• Anything special you would like us to know about them.

This helps our team and mentors understand your child through the eyes of those who know them best.

This programme is more than mentoring, it’s a shared journey of belief, growth, and connection. Your involvement will make all the difference in helping your child flourish, and we look forward to standing alongside you every step of the way.

Click below to view and download flyer: