Innovative Young Minds online programme 2025

Innovative Young Minds aims to educate young women in years 11 and 12 about the wide range of research and career opportunities available in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and high-tech manufacturing). IYM seeks to encourage diversity in New Zealand’s science and technology industry by inspiring a new generation of innovators and industry leaders. 

IYM is offering young women from all over New Zealand the opportunity to take part in our IYM online 2025 programme. The programme will be delivered entirely online over four half-day sessions during the April school holidays.  

Participants will be exposed to:

• inspiring interactive career panels

• research and innovation showcases

• virtual tours of labs and tech workspaces

• hands-on digital technology sessions

• team-building and networking sessions.

Participants will also be able to meet women working in science and technology and make friends with like-minded young women.

Places on IYM Online 2025 are limited to 100 and there is a small participation fee of $30 (which can be covered for students facing financial hardship).

Applications are open and close on 1 March 2025.

Programme dates: 14-17 April 2025

We are looking for students who have a real interest in STEMM subjects, not necessarily those who have performed at the top of their class in the past. We want to inspire students who have not had exposure to STEMM career options or who need to build their confidence to pursue these subjects further. 

Check out the poster below and read more in this brochure.

Visit the Innovative Young Minds website or email: info@iym.org.nz.

Christchurch City Council Archives visit

This week we took a small group of seniors to learn about the role of an archivist at the CCC archives.

We found out about the Ōtautahi city historical walk which starts at Tūranga library.

Check out Canterbury Stories on the Christchurch City Libraries website for more digitised archives.

Esport presentation

Solomona Faitaua-Nanai, a New Zealand esport ambassador to schools, spoke to a large group of interested year 9 and 10 learners this week. Solomona is a member of the New Zealand esport team called the E Blacks, and has most recently been a professional USA-based NBA esports team member for the Detroit Pistons. Learn more on the NZ Esports website.

Part of Solomona’s message was about the importance of sleep, healthy eating, hydration, exercise and practice for any professional sports person. He advocated for the social aspect of esport and how it is a way to make lifelong friends.

Rolleston College has a small esport team and welcomes new players.