In summary

  • The MTC Future Aspirations Camp gave Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a hands-on STEM experience while exploring university life at Swinburne

  • Students engaged with various schools including aviation, engineering, astronomy, health and science, while learning about diverse post-high school pathways

  • The second MTC Future Aspirations Camp will be hosted by the Moondani Toombadool Centre in September with a focus on vocational education and training

Ten Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have been immersed in university life through the MTC Future Aspirations Camp, hosted by Swinburne’s Moondani Toombadool Centre.  
 
The camp, which provided a fully accommodated five-day university experience at no cost to families, aimed to demystify university by connecting students to STEM, culture and campus life, while exploring diverse post-high school pathways.

The camp cultivated a strong connection to community and culture through its collaboration with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Council and Swinburne Elder in Residence, Aunty Miranda Madgwick.

"The MTC Future Aspirations Camp is an invaluable opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to explore their potential in STEM and beyond,” said Ryan Chand, Indigenous Outreach & Future Student Advisor.

“By immersing students in the university experience and connecting them with their culture, we are not only broadening their educational horizons but also empowering them to see themselves as future leaders in their chosen fields. Swinburne is proud to offer a place where students can connect to community and culture.”  

On the first day of camp, the students participated in an OzGrav workshop, showcasing astrophysics at the Swinburne-based ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery. The students spent time exploring the universe virtually and had a tour of the cutting-edge Ngarrgu Tindebeek supercomputer.  

On day two, students were joined by Swinburne’s Elder in Residence, Aunty Miranda. The students visited KIOSC, our leading STEM engagement center, participating in 3D printing, augmented reality and drone-oriented mapping. After lunch, they went on a Bullen Bullen Cultural Walk with the Wurundjeri Land Council, connecting with Country and culture.  

On the third day, the students spent the day off campus visiting the National Gallery of Victoria, and watching tennis at the Australian Open.

  • Female young adult sitting in a chair in front of a pilot monitor, with male teacher on her right.
    Indigenous STEM Camp 3
  • Male young adult tinkering with tech, with an iPad sitting on his lap.
    Indigenous STEM Camp 6
  • Young adult students sitting on park benches and BBQs in a park, listening to an older man speak.
    Indigenous STEM Camp 1
  • Three students and a teacher gathered at desks on laptops in a bright classroom.
    Indigenous STEM Camp 8

On the fourth day, the students had the opportunity to meet Dr. Kirsten Banks, an Indigenous astronomer and science communicator. She led an informal discussion about her field, sharing her insights and experiences.

On the final day, students toured Swinburne’s state-of-the-art flight simulator and aviation facility. After lunch, the students participated in a Faculty Taster Workshop which allowed them to learn more about the different areas of the university including Engineering and Health Science. The day ended with a celebration BBQ where all the students were able to reflect on the camp and provide feedback.  

"I really loved the biology experience we did on Friday with the virtual tables and virtual reality, it was a really good eye opener to what I’d love to do in the future,” said camp student Seth Lucktaylor-Bennett.

Students had plenty of opportunities to not just participate in the educational aspects of university life, but also the social, including group dinners and night events. Every morning, students enjoyed breakfast in the Swinburne student lounge, giving them an opportunity to explore the MTC facilities and spaces accessible to Swinburne students.

“This camp taught me about all the support and tools I have being Indigenous and really helped me learn about my possible future pathways. It helped me find a cool new community and new friends. All in all, this experience was well worth it,” said Seth.

We look forward to welcoming more students to our campuses in September for another MTC Future Aspirations Camp, focusing on vocational education.  

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