The NYSF would like to thank all Rotarians who support the program, from the clubs around Australia that provide in-kind and financial support to students.
Rotary has been an integral supporter of NYSF since our first program in 1984 as the National Science Summer School. Since then, the NYSF has grown, and Rotary has seen us through many changes, including a name change, added sessions and more recently the shift to our hybrid 2021 NYSF Year 12 Program.
As a not-for-profit charity, the NYSF could not deliver a STEM experience of this scale without help from Rotary. In an ordinary year, Rotary works with us to champion the program, run student selections and volunteers 20,000 plus hours to the NYSF each year. But this year we have assembled a team of 82 generous Rotarians to help run the 57 in-person STEM visits in locations across Australia from Townsville to Hobart to Perth to name a few.
During the Year 12 Program Rotary Australia presentation, participants were able to learn about the positive global impact Rotary has made since 1905.
The session began with an introduction from Director-Elect Jessie Harman. Jessie was quick to engage the audience, presenting 5 fun facts on Rotary.
The facts included:
1. Rotary is a global organisation - in 250 countries in the world. In fact, there are more clubs than McDonalds outlets!
2. Purpose – to make the world a better place
3. Most audacious goal is to completely eradicate Polio
4. Rotary has some great partners including UNICEF and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
5. Rotary has invested in young people (such as the NYSF Participants!) as the future leaders of our world.
Motivational stories were then shared by David Mayne Chair of Rotary Youth Leaders Awards (RYLA) and club members Jack and Katie.
RYLA is an intensive leadership experience for people aged 18 to 26 years of age organised by Rotary Clubs. RYLA builds confidence, allows you to make new friendships, pushes you out of your comfort zone and develops your communication skills.
"No two experiences at RYLA will be the same; however, the personal growth is transformational," shared Katie.
After learning about RYLA, Mike Greenslade from Shelter Box presented a moving presentation on their disaster response during a pandemic.
Rotary supports Shelter Box to assist communities in need with emergency shelter and essential items to support people in rebuilding their lives.
Following the heart-warming discussion on Shelter Box, Ken Hall District Governor-Elect for District 9650 ended the session with information about Rotary’s eradication plan for Polio and the enormous achievements made thanks to the hard work of Rotarians.
There were indeed lots of 'ooh and aah' moments throughout the Rotary session, with students finding a new-found appreciation for all that Rotary does.
“The opportunities involved in Rotary for younger people changed the way I typically would think of Rotary and I now want to get involved.” – NYSF 2021 Participant
The NYSF would like to thank all Rotarians who support the program, from the clubs around Australia that provide in-kind and financial support to students. The NYSF Rotary District Chairs who coordinate the selection of students in their districts and to the individual Rotarians who provide pastoral support to participants when the NYSF Year 12 Program is running. Your support for the next generation of Australia’s science leaders is inspirational!
