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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • FOR

    For teens aged 16-19 who are exceptionally bright and creative, as well as being autistic, highly sensitive, or having ADHD and/or dyslexia, who have not been well-served in mainstream education.

  • HOW

    Our COHORT initiative offers structured support for neurodivergent rangatahi through workshops, social connection, one-on-one guidance, and self-led projects.

  • WHERE

    We’re located across New Zealand in central, well-connected hubs — close to public transport, cultural landmarks, and urban activity.

  • WHEN

    The COHORT initiative is a full-time, 6-month programme with structured activities from 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Friday.

  • REGISTER INTEREST NOW

    We get started as soon as we have enough enrolments in your area. We’re currently building interest in Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, and Christchurch! Book a time to chat or enrol below—we’d love to connect with you.

  • OUTCOME

    Through our COHORT initiative, rangatahi leave with greater confidence, enhanced life, work, and academic skills, a clear plan for future study or employment, and ongoing support from a connected community.

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 ?

A supportive environment

The Hyphen Project is a supportive environment where rangatahi build independence, confidence, and real-world readiness.

While our programme includes guest workshops, shared meals, and collaborative projects, it’s the environment that makes the deepest impact. Many rangatahi experience, for the first time, a space where they truly feel they belong. The location offers daily opportunities to navigate public transport, visit local cafes, museums, and shops, and engage with real-world tasks.

Inside, the space is quiet, cool, and flexible - with couches and varied seating that support, comfort, focus, and wellbeing. This atmosphere creates the foundation for growth, allowing rangatahi to feel, safe, seen, and capable.

Timetable

Our daily structure is carefully designed to provide predictability and a balance between focused activities and time for down-regulation, ensuring the best outcomes for our rangatahi. The schedule includes:

  • 10am: Morning focus followed by a structured group activity (trip, guest, workshop, or task) for the whole cohort.

  • 11am: Appointment time or independent work.

  • 12pm: Lunch and game.

  • 1pm: Appointment time or independent work.

  • 2pm onwards: Quiet time for the team to meet and prepare.

The structure is intentionally pitched to the middle of the day, ensuring our teens are at their best while also allowing space for self-regulation throughout the day.

Opportunities

We create tailored opportunities for rangatahi to grow in all areas of life - personal, academic, professional, and practical. Rather than a one-size-fits-all model, we meet each teen where they’re at and support them to move forward at their own pace.

Through hands-on experiences like trips, workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and real-world tasks, rangatahi build meaningful capability. Teens might apply for a job, create a CV, conduct market research, or complete a work placement. Others might design a study plan, run a social event, visit a university, or build a budget for independent living.

Whether presenting to a group, attending a networking event, or planning and cooking a meal, each experience is designed to stretch capability while supporting confidence.

At the end of the programme, each rangatahi receives a personalised record of the skills and achievements they’ve developed - evidence of their growth and a launchpad for what comes next.

Passion work

Every rangatahi works independently toward goals that reflect their unique path - whether that’s completing NCEA through Te Kura, undertaking academic extension with Crimson, or advancing their creative or professional ambitions.

We support teens to take ownership of their direction and develop the self-management skills needed to make real progress. Whether they’re studying for exams, building a portfolio, developing a business idea, or preparing for work placements, each teen follows a personalised plan designed to build both capability and confidence.

Outcomes

Throughout the programme, rangatahi grow in confidence, independence, and capability across the areas that matter most to them - whether that’s academic achievement, work readiness, personal growth, or everyday life skills.

By engaging in real-world experiences, structured challenges, and personalised coaching, each teen develops a stronger sense of self and a clearer understanding of how they learn, work, and thrive.

As they build momentum, we work alongside them to begin planning their next steps - whether that’s tertiary study, creative projects, employment, or further training. We find ways to equip them with the tools, confidence, and clarity to move forward on their journey.

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.