The project, kindly funded by a GlobalGiving grant in partnership with Ford Philanthropy, aimed to showcase different STEM degrees and careers to tackle the gender disparity in STEM sectors. The students stayed in Loughborough University halls of residence, attended academic taster sessions and took part in social activities, all to experience life as a university student.
The students were set the challenge to design their own sustainable island for a community of 40 families. They applied what they had learned in their academic taster sessions to think of creative solutions to challenges facing the world today – such as renewable energy sources, sustainable transport and educating the next generation. Their island project was then presented back to their peers and a judging panel; the work they produced was outstanding and a real testament to the hard work and creativity they put into them.
It was a pleasure to invite Rebecca Szmega (Mechanical Engineer, Fortescue Zero), Vineet Atwal (PDL Analyst, Ford) and Dr Jo Jennings (Visiting Member, Loughborough University) to campus as part of the residential to share their own journeys into STEM and offer words of encouragement.
One Athena student said: “I really enjoyed the Athena Island project because it was a chance to be creative while using science to solve real-world problems. Designing a sustainable island made me think differently about things like energy and transport. It wasn’t just about learning facts – it was about applying them.”
Lorna Powell, Outreach Manager at the University added: “Seeing the students grow in confidence as they progressed through the week was a pleasure to see. Speaking with the students, some already had big ideas for what their futures hold, whereas for others, the residential inspired new ideas and ambitions. Thank you again to the GlobalGiving grant and Ford Philanthropy for continuing to fund this activity for the eighth year.”