NISEP’s impact has been measured through anonymous surveys, interviews and focus groups with student leaders and school staff. The program’s success is evident through this feedback:
- More than 70% of students who have participated in NISEP expressed increased interest in completing high school and going onto higher education
- 85% of students expressed a greater interest in science because of attending the program
- More than 80% of students showed improved motivation, better behaviour and greater concentration following their involvement in the program
- More than 70% of students indicated their understanding of science was good or very good after a NISEP event compared to 60% before the event.
- More than 70% of participating students have shown increased teamwork, greater enthusiasm towards learning and more completed work
- 90% of students found being a demonstrator a good or inspiring experience
Our impact can clearly be heard in the words of our school staff and students:
Students:
“When you’re a participant you look up to the older kids and especially if they’re Indigenous it pushes you to go bigger and brighter and basically reach for the sky. Yeah, and it’s very valuable to see our people get up there and not be shame and present themselves in a way that is good.”
“I know people stumble, but it’s just finding the confidence within yourself basically and without the science program I don’t think I would have any.”
“NISEP, it really opens your eyes to encourage you to believe in yourself and to have confidence within yourself to go up there and be the person that you want to be.”
“It’s encouraged me to go onto university because I didn’t really think much of it until NISEP gave us the chance to give us an example of what it’s like.” Student, Casino High
“If you know someone that does it and they tell you to do it, trust them because it’s a good program.” Student, Casino High
School staff:
“Over the course of the program, our students become much more confident. They’re not ashamed, they’re not embarrassed to do anything. They’re more likely to step up and volunteer. Definitely more confident. More outgoing. More engaged in class. More likely to be keen to do well in Year 11 and 12 and to finish school.”
“[The students] learn so much from [NISEP]. They start to feel so much better about themselves, self-esteem wise. They feel more confident. It’s getting them to them to the next step.”
