{"id":121188,"date":"2026-04-14T04:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/ballarat\/?p=121188"},"modified":"2026-04-09T15:27:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T05:27:04","slug":"students-gain-insight-into-stem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/ballarat\/news\/students-gain-insight-into-stem\/","title":{"rendered":"Students gain insight into STEM"},"content":{"rendered":"

FOURTEEN schools from across the region have taken part in the launch of Ballarat Tech School’s 2026 Girls in STEM and Boys in STEM programs.<\/p>\n

In March, about 120 year 8 and 9 students had the chance to explore the science behind drone technology and clean energy.<\/p>\n

They took part in hands-on experiences such as piloting the drones and had the opportunity to meet members of the Australian Defence Force Drone Racing Team, learning more about pathways in aviation and robotics.<\/p>\n

The activities aim to give students insight into science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers and pathways at a time when they are starting to make subject selection choices.<\/p>\n

STEM pathways and partnerships manager Kirstyn Hall said the programs were designed to show students how the disciplines connected with everyday life.<\/p>\n

“By working with industry partners and bringing in student leaders who’ve already been through the program, we’re helping young people build confidence, curiosity and a sense of what’s possible,” Hall said.<\/p>\n

She said students learning about drones as well as clean energy was STEM in action.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Some of Damascus College’s students were part of the group that received hands-on STEM experience.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

“When a young person pilots a drone to inspect wind turbines and solar panels or experiences the internal workings of a wind tower using VR something clicks,” she said.<\/p>\n

“They can see how what they are doing with us and learning at school connects to real jobs and real solutions in the world around them.<\/p>\n

“For a lot of our students, these programs are a turning point, especially as they start thinking about subject choices. We want them to walk away thinking, ‘I could do this’ – and with the skills and confidence to back it up.”<\/p>\n

Abi, a year 10 student from Mount Clear College, returned to the program as one of 12 student leaders.<\/p>\n

The leaders guide activities, building confidence and supporting participants as role models.<\/p>\n

“Going through the program gives you the chance to learn about STEM in a hands\u2013on way, rather than just in a classroom,” Abi said.<\/p>\n

“It’s really exciting to be able to come back and help give other girls that same opportunity.”<\/p>\n

More information is available at ballarattechschool.vic.edu.au<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

FOURTEEN schools from across the region have taken part in the launch of Ballarat Tech School’s 2026 Girls in STEM and Boys in STEM programs. In March, about 120 year 8 and 9 students had the chance to explore the science behind drone technology and clean energy. They took part in hands-on experiences such as […]<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":250,"featured_media":121192,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-121188","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nStudents gain insight into STEM - Ballarat Times<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover how Ballarat STEM programs use drones and clean energy to inspire students toward future careers in robotics and aviation.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/ballarat\/news\/students-gain-insight-into-stem\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Students gain insight into STEM - 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