Spark Engineering Camp
Spark is a YWB Initiative.
We aim to provide students from non-traditional backgrounds who may face barriers towards tertiary education with experiences to grow and discover STEM pathways, as well as meet like-minded peers.
“We hope to show all of our students that pursuing tertiary education is a real possibility for every single one of them.”
Vision and Mission
The Spark Engineering Camp is entirely inclusive and fully funded. It provides students with a unique experience, showing them what tertiary education and technology-related fields are like, while they are still studying in high school. This can encourage students to pursue STEM as a career, and to show them this pathway is accessible and achievable.
Spark seeks to break down the barrier students face to tertiary education by:
Providing students with the opportunity to experience STEM subjects in a tertiary context
Promoting the cultivation of relationships between diverse people groups to support future diversity in the workplace
Equipping students with knowledge of different university courses and pathways
Strengthening inter-regional and inter-cultural ties within Australia
Providing students with the tools and support they need to pursue their goals and maximise their potential
History
The first Spark Engineering Camp began in 2011, developed from the Founder of Youth Without Borders - Yassmin Abdel-Maggied. It started as a project to bring together students studying diverse fields of engineering and STEM based disciplines to give them a life changing opportunity. Every year, our wonderful volunteer staff create an action packed week of engaging STEM activities at universities around both of the host cities.
Spark originated in Brisbane in 2011, then expanded its scope in 2014 with the creation of the first Melbourne camp. Both camps have successfully run every year since other than 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. In 2019, we hosted our biggest camps ever.
2019 Stats
2 Camps.
120 students enrolled.
60 staff volunteered.
2 Camps. 120 students enrolled. 60 staff volunteered.
56% students were female.
70% of students came from rural/regional areas.
27% of students spoke English as a 2nd language.
56% students were female. 70% of students came from rural/regional areas. 27% of students spoke English as a 2nd language.
Our Influence
700+ students impacted.
250+ staff volunteered.
700+ students impacted. 250+ staff volunteered.
“We believe that the right to tertiary education should be equally accessible to people from all cultures, backgrounds and communities. Our aim is to break down the barriers students face to accessing university through the support, encouragement and equipment of our students.”
Spark Engineering Camp
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