Our impact

In 2024, the Science and Engineering Challenge national program involved more than 24,900 students from over 870 schools across Australia. More than half were in rural or remote regions of the country; 49% were female, 5% were from non-English speaking backgrounds, and 5% identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

More than 480,000 students have been involved in the Science and Engineering Challenge (SEC) since the program began at the University of Newcastle in 2000. As we move into our 25th year, we expect to welcome our 500,000th participant!

Student comments

What was the most valuable aspect of your Science and Engineering Challenge experience to you?

Having the opportunity to give STEM a try, especially when Science and Maths aren't my favourite subjects at school, taking part in the STEM challenge gave me insight into the real-life applications of science and Maths instead of just learning about them in a classroom.

Its practicality and hands on activities and experiences allowed us to understand more of what roles are done within careers of engineering and science.

Allowed me to grow problem-solving skills as a team in activities we wouldn't normally do in classes

I think it is learning about the various disciplines in the wider STEM field and applying those to individual activities

Interacting with other students and working together in a fun and safe environment to learn in a way that you don't even realise you are learning in the moment.

I really loved the creative aspect of the challenges because it encouraged me to think in different ways to how I usually approach situations.

Encountering a wide range of STEM fields and aspects to provide insight into the many opportunities STEM offers.

Other comments

It was so fun, I would 100% do it again. I loved to see all the different schools who participated and how their minds worked when doing the challenges.

I had lots of fun! The Challenge broadened my understanding of not only the world but career paths post schooling.

The Science and Engineering Challenge was a wild mix of teamwork, creativity and fun—like solving puzzles with a dash of adventure!

Working with people I don't usually work with is fun! Being able to share my love and enjoyment of science & engineering with others who also love it and enjoy it.

It's an amazing insight to the jobs of the future!

I think it was a really fun experience. Our cohort (now graduating) still talks about how much closer we got as a grade after the competition day, and about funny and interesting memories we made on the day.

Amazing! Overall, I really enjoyed it and would absolutely come and do it again if I get the chance. I think that it is an amazing event and would definitely recommend anyone interested in problem solving to join and have fun!!

Teacher comments

Brilliant opportunity for students to engage in STEM and unveil talents and abilities at a pivotal time of their education; just prior to senior subject selection

Students have become more open to taking on new opportunities after the event and have engaged with scientific investigations with a new perspective, taking them as challenges as opposed to teacher-led tasks

Student develop leadership and communication skills- which is excellent for them when they return to school.

Teaches students to think outside of the box. They are so used to being told what to do and what to think, this experience takes that away and allows creativity and curiosity to take precedence.

Especially valuable for female students who can really build their confidence in STEM

Students feel encouraged to choose STEM subjects for Years 11 & 12, students seeking other STEM competition opportunities

It was a brilliant day out. Our students were challenged, engaged and had a really positive experience. We cannot wait to sign up again next year!

The Science and Engineering Challenge is an absolute highlight of the year for the students and for me as a teacher. They love it as do I. I have been attending for over a decade and always leave inspired.

A great day that engaged students with a range of STEM activities that foster their problem-solving and team- work skills.

Extremely well-organised, highly motivating and leaving students bright-eyed for future careers in STEM. We certainly need more of them to rise to the challenge of spearheading our STEM fields for the benefit of all.

Amazing opportunity for rural students to engage with other schools and STEM leaders.

My students love the Science and Engineering Challenge! They love the opportunity to really dig in and apply their problem solving skills to novel and engaging challenges.

Our rural community benefited from this experience greatly. Having schools come together from around the region to be involved in the challenge was fantastic experience for all involved! Thank you for supporting our students and giving them educational experiences which are “out-side the box” I hope that this challenge continues to grow and service our school community for many years to come!

Please keep bringing this fantastic challenge to the bush! It is so wonderful when these opportunities provided for regional students in a way that they can access them!

Brilliant opportunity for students to engage in STEM and unveil talents and abilities at a pivotal time of their education; just prior to senior subject selection