Science and Engineering Challenge

No Child Left Behind: Science and Technology for our Regional and Remote Students

Sometimes all it takes is one experience to change the trajectory of a life. You can help give this life-changing opportunity to more school-aged children, no matter their background. 

Michael was in Year 9 when he attended the Science and Engineering Challenge – a University of Newcastle outreach program providing students across the country with hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics’ experience through interactive activities. 

As he set out on the day’s first challenge, a bridge-building experiment, an important lesson in teamwork, trial and error, and patience and curiosity ensued. 

Years later, from the labs of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, where Michael now works to tackle some of the biggest challenges in cardiovascular research, he remembers what first sparked his interest in science. 

“The Science and Engineering Challenge was a greater reflection of how science works than anything else I'd experienced during my high school years. Particularly the opportunity to work in a team that promotes trial and error, that understands everyone's strengths and weaknesses, and that can readily accept advice and knowledge.” 

Without the support of our generous community and partners, many students in regional and remote areas, especially those from low socio-economic areas, would never have the chance to participate in the Science and Engineering Challenge. 

Diversity and representation of backgrounds, gender, culture, and race is incredibly important in the workforce, especially in fields like medicine. This is what makes accessibility to these experiences as children so invaluable, particularly those from low socio-economic areas. 

In 2023, the Science and Engineering Challenge reached 24,000 students, of which nearly half were female and more than 1,200 were of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.  

Your tax-deductible donation today will help more children from low socio-economic and marginalised backgrounds access the Science and Engineering Challenge, giving them the chance to consider their own future career in STEM.  

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