For high school students living in regional areas, a university education can often seem out of reach. However, through initiatives like the Growing Regional Agriculture Students in Science (GRASS) program, the University of New England (UNE) is making sure the door to a career in STEM is wide open for all, no matter where they live.
At UNE, we believe the learning journey of each person is unique, and everyone should be given the opportunity to study and succeed, no matter where they live or what their upbringing is. - UNE Deputy Vice Chancellor, Simon Evans.
During 2021, 11 talented teens from across regional NSW were selected for the UNE GRASS Industry Placement Scholarship, which gives Year 11 and 12 students a taste of what it’s like to work and study in the agricultural and environmental sciences, while also letting them know the best pathway to get there.
Last week marked the end of their GRASS experience, with each student returning to the Armidale campus to reflect on their time spent learning from industry leaders and some of UNE’s most accomplished scientists.
“Prior to starting the GRASS scholarship, I wanted to be an agronomist and loved ag so much, but I didn’t know the best way to go,” said Lawson Shephard, a school-leaver from Dubbo's Macquarie Anglican Grammar School.
Lawson said the program helped open his eyes to new aspects of agriculture, inspiring him to enrol in a Bachelor of Rural Science at UNE this year.
The GRASS scholarship was really helpful because it showed me a side of the agronomic process that I hadn’t seen before, and after completing the program, I found out that Rural Science was the best option for me.
“The GRASS scholarship was really helpful because it showed me a side of the agronomic process that I hadn’t seen before, and after completing the program, I found out that Rural Science was the best option for me.”
It’s a similar story for Calrossy Anglican School’s Emily Taylor from Quirindi, NSW. Emily is completing Year 12 this year, and after running her own Hereford cattle stud for the past three years, the program has helped her realise her passion for a whole new side of cattle production.
Emily spent her placement learning off some of UNE’s geneticists, and she said the experience has shown her that she can make a difference in the industry.
“Now I’m really wanting to get into the genetics and meat science side of things and get more specific with producing cattle that breeders will actually want in the herd, and producing cattle that will make a difference in the industry,” she said.
While the practical side of the placement is important for giving students a hands-on experience, the New England Girls School’s (NEGS) Ella Crowley said parts of the program helped to highlight the different career paths available.
“There was a big lecture during the online camp last year, and going in, I wasn’t sure what course I wanted to pursue," said the Year 12 student. "However, after some discussion, it helped me see that Rural Science is the best option for me."
"It was also helpful to see the scope of the research that’s conducted and to see the daily life of industry leaders like Dr Oliver Knox. It’s opened up a whole new realm of opportunities for me."
Principal of NEGS, Mrs Kathy Bishop, said the UNE GRASS program adds another layer of context to the high school curriculum.
In class we can say things and we can teach them information, but to have that hands-on experience and to actually be able to see a scientist working in the field is exceptional.
“In class we can say things and we can teach them information, but to have that hands-on experience and to actually be able to see a scientist working in the field is exceptional,” she said. “It helps students to understand the things we do in class, and how they are relevant in the real world.”
With many of this year’s students now planning to pursue a degree in the agricultural and environmental sciences, UNE Deputy Vice Chancellor Simon Evans said the GRASS program is just one example of how UNE is ensuring tertiary education is accessible to all.
“It’s so important to show young people in regional and rural areas that a university education isn’t just for those living in metropolitan areas,” he said. “At UNE, we believe the learning journey of each person is unique, and everyone should be given the opportunity to study and succeed, no matter where they live or what their upbringing is.
“Through programs like UNE GRASS and the UNE Discovery Voyager, we’re planting the seed early to show young people in regional areas that there are so many options available to them.
"Paired with other important initiatives, such as STEM_Q, UNE is helping to make STEM a more diverse and inclusive sector that is accessible to all.”
