ASSETS is part of a joint project by CSIRO and BHP Billiton Foundation which gives 105 Indigenous Year 10 students the opportunity to participate in an all-expenses paid nine-day summer school held in Townsville, Newcastle or Adelaide and an ongoing leadership and support program as they complete Years 11 and 12.
ASSETS coordinator Amanda Baker said the summer schools give students the opportunity to connect with world leading scientists and STEM professionals from across the country, while completing their own Inquiry-based science project.
“During the 2015/16 summer schools students worked with scientists from CSIRO, the University of Newcastle, James Cook University and the University of Adelaide,” she said. “The summer schools also have strong cultural and personal development components, with students developing networks and finding out about study and career pathways.
“The academic focus varies in each location and during the upcoming summer schools students will be involved in everything from building sensors to monitoring wildlife habitats, to investigating what causes spikes in blood pressure and learning about traditional astronomy.”
“We’re excited to be heading back to Townsville, Newcastle and Adelaide this summer, and look forward to engaging with and learning alongside this year’s participants.”
Applications are open now and close July 31 2016.
2016/17 Summer School Dates
- Townsville - 12-20 December 2016
- Newcastle - 5-13 January 2017
- Adelaide - 14-22 January 2017
ASSETS is part of a broader Indigenous STEM Education program funded by BHP Billiton Foundation and delivered by CSIRO.
For more information, visit www.csiro.au/indigenous-ASSETS
