Innovation is the key to a successful technology-driven economy.
As the world becomes more technologically developed, the need for a skilled workforce in the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) fields is ever increasing. But enrolment numbers in STEM courses are down.
How do we communicate this need to young people – our scientists of the future?
In the STEM arena navigating through career options is often difficult because of the huge variety of occupations in these fields, and the fact that many are not generally the "traditional" or "safe" occupations promoted or understood by parents, teachers and career advisors.
In addition, heading into Year 12 young people often feel overwhelmed, confused and are ill-informed when it comes to making decisions about their future study and career options. The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Year 12 Program aims to overcome some of these issues, by exposing students to new career fields that they may not have known about and encouraging them to continue their studies in these areas.
NYSF Chief Executive Officer, Dr Damien Pearce, says that the NYSF allows students to be better informed when making decisions about their future career and study direction.
The NYSF has been operating for 35 years and has seen almost 12,000 participants complete the program.
"With over 75 lab visits per session, and multiple lectures and workshops, there is no doubt participants left the January NYSF 2018 program better informed about their future prospects.
"Time and time again we hear from students who have completely changed their study and career trajectory after attending the program, by discovering courses and careers that they had not known existed." Damien said.
"For others, attending the Year 12 program confirms and consolidates the choices that they have already made, and provides them with valuable tools to assist them into the future."
Year 12 Student, Kingsley Rosman from Aberfoyle Park South Australia participated in the 2018 program in January.
"The NYSF is an amazing program that brings together hundreds of Grade 12 students with a passion for science. It gives those lucky enough to attend an opportunity to see state-of-the-art laboratories, get their hands dirty with fun workshops, hear inspiring talks from world-class scientists, and meet others with a scientific interest from around the country and the globe," he said.
"The program really confirmed what I had already wanted to do, however it was different for everyone. Some of my peers completely changed their career path after attending, however for me it simply opened up more pathways to achieve my goals."
In January 2019 up to 600 places will be available for students about to commence year 12 - 400 in two sessions in Canberra at the Australian National University (ANU) and another 200 at a third session in Brisbane at the University Queensland (UQ). The extra places at the UQ program are supported through funding from the National Innovation and Science Agenda (NISA).
The NYSF 2019 program will expose some of Australia’s most talented students to a diverse range of study and career options in the STEM fields ranging from astrophysics to biology to forensics and archeology, for example.
Students attending the program are drawn from diverse backgrounds from all over Australia. Selections are carried out by Rotary Australia (our founding partner), providing access to the program for students from remote and regional areas around the country. In 2018, 42% of students were from remote and regional areas and 60% of participants were female.
The NYSF, also supported through funding from NISA, has up to 30 $1,000 Equity Scholarships on offer, designed to assist participants from low social-economic and/or other disadvantaged backgrounds to attend the Year 12 Program.
Students who are currently studying in Year 11 are eligible to apply via the NYSF website. Applications close 31 May 2018.
If you would like additional information and or images, or to arrange an interview with our CEO and/or past NYSF students please contact Leonie Keogh E: [email protected] or (02) 6125 8493.
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