Applications for the 2023 National Youth Science Forum are opening soonThe NYSF January program provides talented year 12 students interested in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) an exceptional opportunity to learn about career and study pathways, hands-on experiences, and access to some of the world's leading scientists.
Many will be familiar with how the process has worked in the past but there have been some big changes over the last few years you might not have caught up with.
Read more for further information on:
Students no longer have to be endorsed or sponsored by a Rotary Club to apply to NYSF.
District selections are online
District Orientation is also online...maybe!
Applications for the 2023 National Youth Science Forum are opening soon! Grab a cup of tea and read about what the program looks like now, some big changes that have happened, and how you can get involved.
The NYSF January program provides talented year 12 students interested in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) an exceptional opportunity to learn about career and study pathways, hands-on experiences, and access to some of the world's leading scientists. There really is no other program with such a strong reputation and experience anywhere else in the world. Students get to speak to Nobel laureates, cross live to scientists in Antarctica, learn science communication and interview skills, and pitch solutions to some of Australia's biggest challenges to government departments. It doesn't stop there - after the January program, students join the NYSF Connect program which provides thousands of alumni with networking opportunities and exclusive seminars and lectures.
For almost 40 years, Rotary has been a key part of the NYSF. Despite the challenges the pandemic has thrown at the program, it continues to go from strength to strength.
Many will be familiar with the usual NYSF format - a 2 week residential program in Canberra, Brisbane or Perth. A hybrid program has been adopted over the last two years and feedback from students has been outstanding - 9 out of 10 would strongly recommend it to a friend, which is consistent with past years.
Feedback from District 9705 students this year included:
"A real highlight for me would have been the Student-Staff Presentations and opportunities presented post-NYSF, as it opened my eyes to exactly what the program has done for me and will continue to do into the future. My favourite session was then the Forensics in Archaeology and Integrated Pathology Learning Centre lectures, as they used knowledge that I gained in year 11, but put it into perspective and applied it through amazing careers."
"The National Youth Science Forum has been a wonderful experience, and has helped me in focussing my STEM career options."
"NYSF was an incredible experience for me which provided unreal experiences that I could never imagine possible. My highlight was definitely being at Dr Karl's Virtual House Party. I have learned so much about climate change, keeping bedsheets clean, and so much more. It was my favourite by far. I also enjoyed talks from Dr Peter Doherty who has opened up my curiosity for immunology."
In 2022, District 9705 supported 66 students to attend the NYSF. About half came from the Canberra/Queanbeyan/Yass area and about half from regional areas. I want to thank all the clubs who generously sponsored students - it's been difficult to raise club funds for so long now and yet you are still finding ways to support students. Thank you. Talking to students and families, many have said that if it wasn't for Rotary's support they simply wouldn't be able to participate in the program. A huge thank you to all the volunteers from across 9705 who helped with our interviews as well - 4 days over 2 weekends went off without a hitch and the students gave really positive feedback on their interview experience.
Three recent changes
Many will be familiar with how the process has worked in the past but there have been some big changes over the last few years you might not have caught up with:
1. Students no longer have to be endorsed or sponsored by a Rotary Club to apply to NYSF.
They can elect to "self-fund" and apply directly. But they are ALL still interviewed by Rotary in our District Interviews. What we are finding is some apply and then later find they need financial support - some because they didn't realise support was available (it's well advertised on the website but isn't always picked up) or because their family circumstances change. So we have some students already through to the program after a successful interview requesting financial support. The NYSF team is working on the website and communications but some of this is unavoidable as families run into tough times unexpectedly. Thank you to the many clubs I have contacted late in the piece with local students seeking support.
2. District selections are online
ALL applicants (whether they are supported by a Rotary Club or self-funding) go through the same interview process. Interviews used to be in-person but have shifted online with great success. Our District is geographically huge! Asking a student and their family to travel hours and hours when others only need to drive 15 minutes is unfair, even when we can run selections at several locations. Zoom lets us have Rotarians in Leeton and Ulladulla interviewing a student from Wagga without missing a beat. We can be flexible with volunteer availability which means better representation from across 9705 and ensures we are selecting the students who will benefit most from the program. We're looking at ways to improve the selection process this year like changing up the format and what we ask of students.
3. District Orientation is also online...maybe!
Students selected to participate in the program, their families, and Rotarians from supporting clubs attend an orientation around October. This is where students first meet others in the program, hear from our DG and past students, and start to get excited for the January program. We've run it online over the past couple of years due to travel restrictions which has worked well - equitable access across the District without the need for travel which may not be possible for some families with work commitments or the resources to travel. But there is nothing like meeting your fellow NYSFers face to face. We haven't made a decision for what this year's orientation will look like yet and will weigh up the risks and benefits over the coming months.
How can you help?
1. Like and follow the NYSF page on Facebook for updates - https://www.facebook.com/
2. Register your interest - use this link to enter your email address and be notified when applications open - https://confirmsubscription.
3. Promote the program - if you know a student who might be eligible or a science or maths teacher or careers advisor or parent, let them know about NYSF! Though all schools are contacted with information by NYSF, it doesn't always get through to the people who need it - https://www.nysf.edu.au/
4. Have NYSF listed as a service activity with your club.
5. Get in touch - your NYSF District Committee is here to help! d9705.nysf@gmail.com or 0438 815 045.
Dr Steph McLennan
9705 NYSF District Chair
2006 NYSF alumna