Rotary Hutt City has been closely associated with the Innovative Young Minds programme since its earliest days. Club members continue to serve on the governing board and the club is an active supporter. Since IYM's establishment, other local Rotary clubs have added their support, both in fundraising and in nominating students to attend IYM residential programmes, along with a range of organisations and businesses.
IYM encourages young women in years 11 and 12 to explore science, technology, engineering, mathematics and high-tech manufacturing and to learn about career opportunities in these sectors.
The lead sponsor of the 2024 residential programme was Pertronic, a manufacturer of advanced automatic fire detection and alarm systems. Pertronic is a business member of Rotary Hutt City. Forty-one young women from across the local North Island took part.
Highlights for IYM 2024 Residential with Pertronic included a visit to the University of Otago's Wellington Medical School Hub, visiting Ferrier Institute's chemical laboratory at the Gracefield Innovation Quarter, and a rare peek behind the screens to see how visual effects are produced at Wētā FX, among many other amazing visits and speakers.
A Parliamentary Reception was a wonderful opportunity to thank those sponsors and contributors who made the week possible, and meet many of them in person.
