Summer School 2015 Begins

Friday, 4 December 2015

Girls' Choices is organised by the AIM HIGH program at the University of Newcastle (UON) and provides female Year 9 students from schools around the state with a five-day residential university experience.

Sarah Pilgrim

The program is now in its ninth year and focuses on increasing student engagement with science, mathematics and career opportunities that exist beyond high school.

Almost 100 students are on campus this week taking part in a range of activities.

Students are fully submersed into university life and attend lectures, labs, university facilities including the Forum and stay in on-campus accommodation.

Field trips to local organisations are also integrated into the program so students get a chance to see the practical side of careers.

Former Girls' Choices participant and now UON graduate, Sarah Pilgrim, said her experience with the program is what helped her pursue studies and a career in science.

"Girls' Choices helped me realise what I wanted to do with my studies. All of the guest speakers and field trips to different places helped show me that there are jobs for women in science and that it is an achievable goal," said Sarah.

"It is such a great opportunity for participants and I am really grateful I've been able to experience it from a student and a staff perspective," she added.

The male version of the program, LIVE IT!, commences on Sunday December 13.

Find out more information at newcastle.edu.au/aimhigh


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