Regional students target of new push for STEM skills

Thursday, 22 June 2017

Staff and students from the University of Adelaide will visit six regional centres in South Australia as part of a nation-wide push to improve skills in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

With STEM education underpinning a wide range of industries key to Australia's future prosperity, University staff and students will deliver STEM-focused lectures and workshops to regional students across years 6 to 9.

The project will also facilitate teacher professional development, parent engagement, and the development of online resources for students.

Starting next week, and run by Children's University Australia, the regional lecture series will visit:

Port Augusta – Wednesday 28 June
Port Pirie – Tuesday 4 July
Murray Bridge – Tuesday 8 and Thursday 10 August
Renmark – Thursday 14 September
Barmera, at the Riverland Field Days – Friday 15 and Saturday 16 September
Whyalla – Thursday 21 September

"We are excited to be offering this lecture series throughout South Australia, to engage students in fun learning activities with the hope of increasing their interest in STEM careers and study pathways," says Ms Kiri Hagenus, Director, Children's University Australia.

"We expect to reach more than 1000 students in our series this year, which is a key part of the participation and outreach programs run by Children’s University Australia.

"For students who feel vulnerable or disadvantaged due to their distance from university, it's greatly important that we work to raise their educational aspirations, and help them to understand that such goals are not beyond their grasp," Ms Hagenus says.

"Through outreach programs like this, Children’s University hopes to demystify the idea of university to these students and their families.

"Our academics and PhD students get to meet regional students and talk about their journey to university, which in turn helps the students to imagine themselves taking a similar journey," she says.

The regional lecture series is funded by the Federal Government through the National Priorities Pool.

 

Contact Details

Ms Kiri Hagenus
Email: kiri.hagenus@adelaide.edu.au
Website: http://childrensuniversity.com.au/
Director, Children's University Australia
The University of Adelaide
Business: +61 8 8313 0783
Mobile: +61 448 801 868


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