Our COHORT initiative
What if your teen could spend their days focusing on their strengths rather than their challenges? What if they could be with like-minded peers and adults that get them? What if they came home at the end of the day energised and excited instead of depleted and exhausted? What if they were able to think positively about themselves, be inspired and have hope for the future? What if you could have confidence that they would be able to manage their well-being and be financially independent?
This is the reality we aim to bring to your teen with our COHORT initiative - our cornerstone programme.
Key information
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WHO
We are a team who are specialists in working with those who think out-of-the box, dedicated to offering meaningful support to teenagers who have struggled within mainstream education.
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WHAT
The COHORT initiative provides intensive support to help shift teens from being isolated and having low self-esteem to being motivated, connected and having a plan for the future.
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FOR
For teens aged 16-19 who are exceptionally bright and creative, as well as being autistic, or having ADHD and/or dyslexia, who have not been well-served in mainstream education.
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HOW
Our COHORT initiative involves workshops, regular social activities, working closely with a Navigator, completing a passion project and connecting with experts in the field of interest of the teen.
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WHERE
Our site is in Newmarket, Auckland - close to public transport hubs, the Auckland War Memorial Museum, the Domain and urban activity.
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TIME FRAME
The COHORT initiative is a full-time, 6 month programme running each half year, with structured activity 11am-3pm, Tuesday-Friday - independent work completed in addition to that.
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STARTING DATE
Enrol with us prior to 30 October or 30 May for the next half year.
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OUTCOME
Gain a career plan, a professional network, an electronic portfolio to demonstrate talents and skills, a personalised toolkit with learning and coping strategies and so much more…
WHAT PARENTS OF OUR COHORT TEENS HAVE SAID….
“They have been getting themselves ready in the morning without prompting. I have to pinch myself - is this real? It’s so truly life changing and rather than life being a nightmare it’s turning into a lovely dream. You and the team are basically magic in my eyes.”
"I can see them growing so much already! They’re proactively managing their time and instigating things like making lunches during the weekend. The Hyphen Project team has given them a real confidence boost."
WHAT TO EXPECT ?
The discovery period
Our COHORT initiative begins with a gradual transition period in which enrolees get to know each other, our team and themselves better. They’ll get used to being in our space, build their new routine and get familiar with how we work.
We expose our rangatahi to new experiences so they can explore where their interests lie, and consider what they might want to focus their passion project on.
We finish our discovery period with a hui for each rangatahi with their family to develop a plan for what will be focused on during their time with us.
Passion project
The passion project is the core focus of the COHORT initiative programme. Rangatahi are supported to identify a discrete project that is both ambitious and do-able that they can complete during the 6 month programme to kickstart their future pathway. For some, the purpose of the passion project is to increase participation and engagement and to build confidence. For others, it could be bringing their dreams into reality with the help of a budget, a mentor and help to make connections to the right people and places.
Expanding horizons
Brilliant minds need constant fuelling!
We offer a wide range of workshops to develop skills and knowledge. These could be related to super practical things like understanding kiwisaver, or how to navigate the health system. They could relate to academic theories about creativity and thinking tools. Or they could be about topics that support work-readiness like how to advocate for yourself in the workplace, or design thinking. We do trips too.
Skill-building
Each week we have whānau hui, mahi, kai and hangz sessions.
These support rangatahi to practice life skills. They regularly run and participate in meetings, do housework and take responsibility for making and hosting a shared lunch.
We know that different kinds of activities - whether it be catching public transport, having to present to others or eat socially - can be a real challenge to some neurodivergent young people. We allow them the opportunity to practice working through the dysregulation such activities can cause in a safe environment so they can expand their capacity for challenge.
Follow-up
Your teen will continue to be part of The Hyphen Project community after graduation. We’ll check in with them three times a year in their first year after they graduate, and each year for the four years after that. The purpose of these check-ins is to review their year and make adjustments to their pathway plan accordingly. We’ll ensure they’re connected into the supports available to them, and connect them with other people in our network where that could be useful for their goals.
Qualifications
Some of our learners will need to gain NCEA credits in order to embark on their future pathway.
Where this is the case, we can enrol learners in Te Kura, New Zealand’s correspondence school or in Crimson Academy for international qualifications. We can support them with pursuing these studies, and appoint tutors where relevant.
THE OUTCOMES
When your teen leaves The Hyphen Project, they will take with them:
A personalised profile: A comprehensive document that clearly outlines their strengths, skills, needs, and knowledge, empowering them to advocate for themselves and make informed decisions about their work and living environments.
An electronic portfolio: A digital showcase of their talents and achievements that will help in securing educational, employment, and financial backing opportunities.
A like-minded peer group: Being part of a cohort will give them strong contacts for life.
A professional network: Connections in their chosen career field, paving the way for future opportunities.
A CV: The rich experiences we provide will strengthen your teen’s CV and we make sure they have a well-written CV before they leave us.
FAQS
What are the costs involved?
Fees per rangatahi are $13,310 (GST incl). This amount is subsidised by philanthropic funders. Discounts are available for those who pay in a lump sum up front. Payments can be paid in monthly, fortnightly or weekly instalments.
I’m not sure if my teen is gifted or talented?
Many gifted and talented young people in New Zealand have not been identified as gifted and talented. By talking with you about their history, by talking with them, and by finding out more about their interests and how they spend their time, we’ll be able to get a clear picture of whether The Hyphen Project is a good fit for them or not.
I think the COHORT initiative would suit my teen really well, but how do I get them on board?
We get it. Your teen is exhausted and needs to recover. Plus they’ve been disappointed by adults who are supposed to help them before. They might feel more comfortable talking to one of our youth mentors, Izzy (the youth spokesperson on our board), or one of our current enrollees so they can explain what it’s like. You can also bring them to come and visit our site after hours to get a feel of what our initiative looks like. It’s really important to emphasise that there is no obligation to pursue enrolment after getting in touch with us - our programme only works for people that want to be there!
Will my teen get any credits for participating in the COHORT initiative?
No. However, if they enrol in Te Kura Correspondence School or Crimson Academy they can achieve credits and qualifications while enrolled with us.
Our family can’t afford the costs but need your help - what can we do?
Depending on availability of funding, we may be able to offer full or part scholarships. These are based on financial need (not achievement - all our teens are high achievers!). Families earning under $124,000 per year are invited to apply. If your family earns more than this but you still can’t afford the costs, we’d still love to hear from you so we have a good understanding of your situation.
I’m not sure if my teen is neurodivergent?
Many autistic people or people with ADHD or dyslexia in New Zealand do not have a diagnosis. This is particularly the case if they are intellectually able as well because they are able to scrape by academically through drawing on their strengths. They might be described as highly anxious or sensitive. We do not require a formal diagnosis for enrolment.
