Working in a lab can be a new experience for many high school students, so the opportunity to experiment with different fields of science when you still have time to make decisions about your VCE subjects could change your outlook on your options at uni.
For many Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander students, the Residential Indigenous Science Experience (RISE) camp is an opportunity to see the connections between Indigenous knowledges and STEM while getting a taste at what life at uni could be like.
For the most recent RISE camp, 40 Indigenous students were invited from across Australia to be a part of a week of workshops, presentations and activities across campus. Staying on campus at Trinity College, these year 9 and 10 students got to explore labs, research hubs, meet First Nations Academics.
Learning from and on Woi-wurring Wurundjeri country with Elders and local knowledge holders- meant they could spend time as a group of budding future scientists. The RISE sessions were designed to show students how STEM and First Nations knowledges connect and to see how higher education studies and a career in STEM can lead to future opportunities that still connect with community and culture.
"I enjoyed the Science Gallery and Dentistry sessions the most because I felt connected to my peers and it was fun."
RISE exposes the students to the diversity and excitement of STEM fields and helps them develop a sense of belonging and community. The students can meet and interact with other Indigenous students, mentors and role models who share their passion and curiosity for STEM.
They can also discover the potential and relevance of STEM as a future career path, and how they can contribute to their communities and society through STEM skills and knowledge. RISE is a valuable experience that can encourage and inspire Indigenous students to achieve their goals and aspirations in STEM and beyond.
"I enjoyed learning about the stars and about the different opportunities in the future and life in Uni."
As part of RISE, students are invited to be a part of the alumni community, so they can maintain these connections over the years and continue to support each other throughout their studies.
"I enjoyed that we had a hands-on experience rather than just watching and listening. It was really fun to be able to do it."
