Korowa Year 9 student Elaine was one of just 40 students selected from across Victoria to attend the Girl Power in STEM program at the University of Melbourne during the July holidays. This four day camp introduces young women to engineering and IT through hands on workshops, mentoring from industry experts, and inspiring talks from academic leaders. For Elaine, it was also a chance to connect with like minded peers who share her passion for science, technology, and innovation.
When Elaine returned, she chose to share her experience with the Senior School, speaking with confidence about what she had learned and encouraging others to apply. It was a genuine display of leadership, showing how our students use their voices to inspire and empower those around them.
We asked Elaine a few questions about the program, here’s what she had to say.
What is the Girl Power in STEM Program and why did you apply?
The Girl Power program is a 4-day camp at the University of Melbourne that introduces Year 9 girls to engineering and IT through hands-on workshops, talks, and mentoring. I applied because I’ve always been interested in engineering, specifically coding, and wanted to get involved in more science programs.
Was there a moment in the Girl Power in STEM Program that really stood out to you?
I really liked the hands-on activities where we built a bridge made out of Lego. In the bridge building workshop, we were split up into teams, and each team received one box full of Legos and a booklet to give us inspiration.
What was the most exciting or surprising thing you learnt?
I learnt a lot about aerodynamics and planes and enjoyed experimenting with different wing shapes and sizes. I initially thought plane engineers always stuck to the same wing shape and sizes, but seeing so many different wing shape and sizes to choose from, and how each one brought both advantages and disadvantages when flying was a new experience to me. Also being able to fly what I built felt really rewarding!
How did it feel to work alongside other young women passionate about STEM?
It felt really nice to work with other peers who are interested in STEM, as we could bond over our love of engineering. We encouraged each other, and it created a supportive environment where everyone felt confident to try new things.
How has taking part in the Girl Power in STEM Program shaped your view of science, technology, engineering, and maths?
I think this program has made me realise that technology and engineering is more in our daily lives than we think. I also learnt about the broad pathways you can take inside of engineering, whether it’s from biomedical to environmental to software, as well as that STEM isn’t only about textbook knowledge and theory – it’s also creative and hands on!
Has it influenced what you might like to study or do in the future?
Definitely! The program opened my eyes to new pathways in engineering and IT, and I’m now more interested in exploring fields like software and design that bring together creativity and problem-solving, but am also really interested in bio-med, because I if I choose a career in bio-medical engineering, I can help people recover from their injuries.
What advice would you give to other students thinking about applying?
Go for it! Even if you’re not sure about a future in STEM, the program is an amazing chance to try new things, meet inspiring people, and discover opportunities you might not have considered before.Opportunities like the Girl Power in STEM program show how Korowa empowers students to explore their passions, discover new pathways, and lead with confidence. By encouraging curiosity and providing access to real world experiences, we help our students see what is possible and give them the courage to pursue it. Book a tour today to see how Korowa empowers future innovators.
