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View all programs Young inventors win with a bright idea
27 June 2024
Standing side-by-side behind their invention, Piper, Mikayla, Lily, and Teru get ready to pitch their idea to tech leaders. It’s nerve-wracking, but they feel good about their creation: a UV Light Hamper that kills bacteria on used towels and promotes family health.
The Year 8 students worked hard on their idea for the Young ICT Explorers Accelerator Program. This is a national digital technology program run by The Smith Family Partner schools. In the program, students compete in teams to create technology-based projects. Entrants build STEM skills as they design and develop a product in a collaborative effort.
The Year 8 students worked hard on their idea for the Young ICT Explorers Accelerator Program. This is a national digital technology program run by The Smith Family Partner schools. In the program, students compete in teams to create technology-based projects. Entrants build STEM skills as they design and develop a product in a collaborative effort.
“What we liked was that, instead of just following teacher instructions, we could improve or create a new product. It can be about anything as long as it’s innovative,” the team reports.
The cost of technology and training is a barrier for many students experiencing disadvantage. As technology becomes more essential at school and beyond, these students risk falling behind their peers. Young ICT Explorers gives students access to digital technology and the training they need to build their confidence in digital skills and have a fair go at school.
The cost of technology and training is a barrier for many students experiencing disadvantage. As technology becomes more essential at school and beyond, these students risk falling behind their peers. Young ICT Explorers gives students access to digital technology and the training they need to build their confidence in digital skills and have a fair go at school.
The program also helps to build social skills as students must work as a team to find innovative answers to real-world problems. Working with others to solve problems was a first for some of the students. It was an opportunity they may not have had without your support for Young ICT Explorers.
“I enjoyed trying something new, especially since I only started doing STEM in Year 7,” one student says. And as they worked together, their bond helped them overcome challenges more confidently.
“I enjoyed trying something new, especially since I only started doing STEM in Year 7,” one student says. And as they worked together, their bond helped them overcome challenges more confidently.
“We created a product that can help lots of people. I’m happy we bonded, learned new things, and got better results than I imagined. I’m really proud of myself and my friends.”
The girls had the opportunity to show their passion for their idea when pitching it. It was easier knowing they had each other’s support.
“I was scared of presenting it to the judges and thought we might not do well. But I knew my friends were right next to me, and my teacher would help if we needed it.”
The rewards kept coming for the star students when their innovation won first place in New South Wales. Progressing then to the National finals, they were proudly awarded third place, competing against schools across Australia. This is an outstanding achievement for the team and the Young ICT Explorers program, and it was made even sweeter having done it with friends.
“I had lots of fun seeing our product come to life. You wouldn’t know it’s fun until you try it.”
So thanks for helping make educational programs like Young ICT Explorers possible. With your support, more students can access the tools and teachings needed to create a bright future.
“Thank you for the opportunity. It opened new possibilities for us to try something new and have fun. The donors and the program made more opportunities for me and my friends in the future, so thank you again.”
The girls had the opportunity to show their passion for their idea when pitching it. It was easier knowing they had each other’s support.
“I was scared of presenting it to the judges and thought we might not do well. But I knew my friends were right next to me, and my teacher would help if we needed it.”
The rewards kept coming for the star students when their innovation won first place in New South Wales. Progressing then to the National finals, they were proudly awarded third place, competing against schools across Australia. This is an outstanding achievement for the team and the Young ICT Explorers program, and it was made even sweeter having done it with friends.
“I had lots of fun seeing our product come to life. You wouldn’t know it’s fun until you try it.”
So thanks for helping make educational programs like Young ICT Explorers possible. With your support, more students can access the tools and teachings needed to create a bright future.
“Thank you for the opportunity. It opened new possibilities for us to try something new and have fun. The donors and the program made more opportunities for me and my friends in the future, so thank you again.”
