Funding boost to encourage kiwi girls to STEMM careers

A New Zealand organisation dedicated to introducing and encouraging women to pursue careers in STEMM is expanding its work following a resoundingly successful residential programme this year.

Founded in 2017 by Rotary Hutt City and supported by Hutt City Council, Innovative Young Minds (IYM) is a programme designed to encourage young women to explore science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and high-tech manufacturing – also known as the STEMM sector.

This year, IYM has been grateful to receive a boost to their organisation through NZ$141,500 (US$85,000) in grants provided by science-based technology company 3M. For more than a century, 3M has innovated a wide range of products for businesses and consumers including the iconic Post-it Notes and Scotch tape. 3M is also committed to supporting initiatives that advance equitable outcomes in STEMM and businesses for under-represented and under-resourced populations.

The grant will allow IYM to expand its work by developing a growth strategy with the vision to deliver its STEMM immersion programmes to even more participants. IYM Chairperson Gaylene Hughes highlights the importance of the investment.