Receiving the government grant has meant that I could concentrate on getting the most out of LIYSF
Twenty-four (24) NYSF students have benefited this year from new funding available from the Australian government through the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science’s Sponsorship Grants for Student Science Engagement and International Competitions.
The funding supported the students’ participation at a number of NYSF International Programs: XLab in Germany, Research Science Institute at MIT in the USA, the International Science Summer School in Heidelberg, Germany, and the London International Youth Science Forum.
“These grants have made a significant difference to the ability of most of these students to attend our International Programs,” says NYSF CEO, Dr Damien Pearce. “We know that Australian students are limited by the distance they need to travel to take part in these international opportunities, the costs associated with getting there, and the impact that having to fundraise has on their available time – all in year 12. Accessing this financial support through the Australian government has been extremely valuable.”
Alex Chappell from Traralgon in Victoria attended the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF) in July 2017. She says that being able to receive support through the grant program made all the difference.
“Attending the NYSF and then LIYSF has truly changed the way I think and respond to the tackles that have been thrown at me!”
Alex says that she had still needed to fundraise for her program fee, “ … but my community also assisted me a lot - particularly my school and my local Rotary club. I can’t thank them enough."
“Receiving the government grant has meant that I could concentrate on getting the most out of LIYSF, whilst at LIYSF. It also meant that there was less stress coming home after the program after missing a month of school; not having to fundraise further means that I can now refocus on my year 12 studies.
“I loved being able to attend the LIYSF – it was my first international trip so it really was an experience of a lifetime.”
Learn about other students' experiences attending international activities, including NYSF 2017 participant Elise Kellett, in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn9-Vo-UkTU