Regional Girls Innovation Challenge
The Regional Girls Innovation Challenge was a collaboration between WiSPP, STEM Sisters, and BrainSTEM in response to the limited number of female role models in STEM across regional Victoria.
The program provided an opportunity for high school students to explore the journey of scientific discovery alongside a WiSPP institute mentor in a research environment. The goal was to transform the future of innovation and science by inspiring young women to become the next generation of scientists.
Thirteen teams from eight Gippsland high schools participated in the challenge. Each team consists of four or five students who worked together on a scientific and innovative project. Our mentors were postdocs and PhD students from the WisPP institutes. The program offered a fantastic opportunity for professional development, science communication and mentoring experience.
At the conclusion of the program, students presented their research projects to their local community. One team of students were also flown to Sydney in July to present at the 5th Annual Education in STEMM Conference.
Participant Feedback
“I learnt a lot about communicating my science to younger students…..I really enjoyed watching the girls grow in confidence over the course of the program. It was also fantastic to hear that they were going to continue with their project and that the girls were really enjoying learning to code (especially when their IT teacher told them they wouldn’t be able to do it!).”
“The program also opened pathways for my career interests, as I am now more interested in careers with STEM and especially in technology.”
“Our students were able to learn the importance of perseverance, independence and goal setting. They were able to engage with a professional scientific community and see how opportunities exist for girls in STEM careers.”