They've been hot and soggy but the 32 participants in CQU Rockhampton's Girls in Maths, Science and Technology Summer School were still smiling today as they neared the end of the week-long event.

According to the coordinator and CQU Biology lecturer, Sheila Jeffery, the aim of the school is to encourage more girls from Central Queensland to accept the challenges of these ever-growing fields through engagement with practical hands-on activities.

“We hope that by participating in the summer school the girls will consider maths, science and technology subjects for years 11 and 12 and beyond, keeping their options open for future career pathways in these areas,” explained Ms Jeffery.

Rockhampton students were joined by students travelling from Bargara, Biggenden, Biloela, Blackwater, Bouldercombe, Bundaberg, Childers, Clermont, Cordalba, Emerald, Gladstone, Halliday Bay, Havana, Hervey Bay, Koumala, Maryborough, Miriam Vale, Rolleston, Walkerston, Winton and Yeppoon.

The program included excursions to the Capricorn Coast, the Rockhampton Base Hospital and Group Solutions as well as sessions on Rockhampton Campus. There were presentations by key women in related fields and team activities.

For details contact Sheila Jeffery on 4930 9343 or s.jeffery@cqu.edu.au .