For many students growing up in regional communities, hands-on experiences with science and engineering are rare. Distance and limited resources can mean young people miss out on the kinds of practical learning that help them build confidence, discover new interests and imagine future careers.
The Science and Engineering Challenge organised by the Outback Exploratorium and run by the University of Newcastle helps address that gap. The Science and Engineering Challenge brings students together to work through practical engineering problems, encouraging them to test ideas, collaborate and learn by doing, while expanding access to the kinds of opportunities that support greater education equity for regional and rural students.
For many participants, it’s their first chance to engage with engineering in a real, tangible way.
Through its partnership with the Outback Exploratorium, Glencore Coal is helping make these experiences possible for regional students. With a contribution of $111,000 over three years, Glencore’s support helps cover the materials, facilitation and on-the-ground costs needed to run the Science and Engineering Challenge locally, ensuring students can take part without needing to travel long distances from home.
Megan Daniels, Chief Executive Officer of the Outback Exploratorium, said the challenge plays an important role in expanding access to learning for regional students.
“When students have the chance to experiment, build and solve problems together, it can really change how they see themselves. Programs like the Science and Engineering Challenge help young people realise what they’re capable of, particularly in regional communities where opportunities like this aren’t always available.”
Students testing ideas, building solutions and discovering engineering in action at the Outback Exploratorium Engineering Challenge.
More than a financial contribution
Glencore’s involvement in the Engineering Challenge extends beyond funding. Employees volunteer their time to support the program, helping students connect classroom learning with real people and real careers in engineering.
Graduate engineers from Glencore’s operations regularly assist during the challenge, working alongside students, answering questions and supporting activities throughout the program. Their presence helps make engineering feel accessible and achievable, particularly for students who may not have met anyone working in these roles before.
Tracey Snedden, Glencore Coal Community Relations Coordinator, said this hands-on involvement is an important part of the partnership.
“Supporting the Engineering Challenge isn’t just about funding the program. It’s also about our people getting involved, sharing their experiences and encouraging students to explore what’s possible. For our graduates, it’s a chance to give back, and for students, it helps make engineering feel real.”
Learning that’s part of the local landscape
The Science and Engineering Challenge allows regional schools to take part without the barriers that often come with distance or cost. Students can participate fully and return home at the end of the day, rather than missing out on opportunities that are more readily available in larger centres.
Over time, this regular access makes a difference. It means practical STEM experiences become part of students’ learning, not a one-off event. It also allows the Outback Exploratorium to plan ahead and continue offering the challenge year after year.
Through the ongoing partnership, the Science and Engineering Challenge is becoming a familiar and valued experience for regional students, bringing practical STEM learning into local communities year after year.