Bridging the gap

A two-day outreach project named 'Bridging the Gap', conducted by the Australian National University's (ANU) Student Chapter, targeted teenaged students from a small town outside of New South Wales called Nowra, who are less exposed to science and technology. The university overcame several challenges while organizing the event such as developing educational demonstrations, in a bid to allow the visiting students from Nowra to know about research opportunities. Chapter members also organized a laboratory exercise allowing students to use laboratory and solar equipment. Marketing and communications personnel explained the process of application and the requirements for studying science at ANU and the required funding options. The unique aspect of the outreach event was the inclusion of parents and guardians who were part of the decision-making process regarding the children's future education.