The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) was the most impactful experience I had as a young person in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Article by Emily Groves, NYSF Alum (2017), NYSF Communications Officer

Growing up on a farm outside of Quairading in WA, my perception of the world and the opportunities available to me was limited. I was a curious kid with a passion for learning, but I’d struggled to find people I connected deeply with and find a place where I felt intellectually challenged and engaged. From Year 8, I, like many other rural and regional kids, went to boarding school. It was there that my passion for STEM grew and in Year 11, with support from the Rotary Club of Quairading, I applied and was accepted into the NYSF Year 12 Program.

Going to the NYSF was the first time I had ever travelled interstate without my family and did so alongside a group of students I had never met. Despite this, or rather because of this, before arriving in Canberra for the program I had made so many new friends. I could not begin to describe how fulfilling it felt to be surrounded by so many people that reflected my passion for learning and STEM, and who valued and respected my uniqueness and that of the other students on the program too.

The program itself was phenomenal. I had opportunities to travel to research facilities, to speak to and ask questions of leading scientists, and to get hands-on experience in laboratories throughout Canberra. My mind was opened to so many opportunities that I had never thought possible, not for lack of confidence, but simply because I had no idea they existed to begin with. The NYSF was integral in presenting these opportunities which have significantly shaped the choices I’ve made in my studies and career since.

The impact of the NYSF on me would not have been possible without the support of the Rotary Club of Quairading. Their generosity, kindness, and enthusiasm in supporting me throughout my journey with the NYSF is something that I am deeply grateful for. I hope that they, and the other Rotary clubs across Australia, will continue to inspire and nurture coming generations of young people knowing their work has a profound impact on those they support.

The 2024 NYSF Year 12 Program is designed to give students a broader understanding of the diverse study and career options available in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and to encourage continued studies in these fields.

2024 dates and locations

The Australian National University, Canberra (5-13 January 2024)

The University of Queensland, Brisbane (12-20 January 2024)

Would your Rotary Club like to sponsor a student to attend? You can reach out to local high schools to promote the program and gauge interest. Current year 11 students can apply online now and go through a selection process at Rotary District level in August. Students can also separately apply for an NYSF Access and Equity Scholarship if eligible.

Follow ‘How to Apply‘ to start the application journey! Applications close 31 July 2023.