Mentor Science+ Science Extension Program

Mentor Science+ Science Extension is a social justice initiative to address STEM subject access inequalities in NSW high schools. Mentor Science+ Science Extension offers HSC Science Extension opportunities with an aim to assist schools with populations that are underrepresented in STEM careers.

Mentor Science+ Science Extension delivers HSC Science Extension at the UTS campus for students who are unable to access Science Extension at their own school. All classes are taught by NESA-qualified Science Extension specialist teachers.

I am hugely grateful to have been a part of the Mentor Science+ Science Extension Program. I desperately wanted to take it on at the start of year 12 and I feel that I have been exposed to such a rich and fascinating few modules which have developed my understanding of science research and the field of science in general. I also found that I was being more exposed to academic papers, the concepts in my interest area of quantum computing, and scientific ways of thinking that don't often come up in the other science subjects.

My mentor consistently checked in on my progress, showing a genuine interest in my work and ensuring I stayed on track. Not only did he go out of his way to find relevant resources and websites to enhance my research; his guidance was proactive and personalised, offering fresh ideas and insights that significantly advanced my project. This level of commitment and mentorship has been instrumental to my growth.

Students benefit from having Science Extension lessons conducted in UTS state of the art facilities, with an emphasis on project-based learning. Mentor Science+ Science Extension has regular interaction with academics, STEM industries, and UTS student STEM societies. Students will have the opportunity to be mentored by current researchers throughout their scientific research project. Specialist workshops will be held with academics and researchers. School holidays workshops will be available for interested students.

The Scientific Research Proposal:

• How to conduct a Literature Search/Review
• How to perform Critical Analysis

The Data, Evidence and Decisions:

• Statistics in Scientific Research

Mentor Science+ Science Extension is a social justice initiative and offered to NSW high schools free of charge. Mentor Science+ Science Extension will work with schools on a transitional journey to help schools become self-sufficient delivering Science Extension over the long term.

Mentor Science+ Science Extension enjoys working with a variety of high schools. This includes public, independent and Catholic high schools.

• 2025 TERM 4 – Monday 13 October to Friday 19 December
• 2026 TERM 1 – Tuesday 27 January to Thursday 2 April
• 2026 TERM 2 – Monday 20 April to Friday 3 July
• 2026 TERM 3 – Monday 20 July to Friday 25 September

• Term 1 Week 3 – Task 1 Poster and oral presentation of research proposal
• Term 2 Week 8 – Task 2 Statistical Case Study
• Term 3 Week 6 – Task 3 Scientific Research Report

Thank you for your interest in the Mentor Science+ Science Extension Program. 

Please note:

• The number of students enrolling in Science Extension at UTS will be limited to 10 students/school. For those schools that have >10 students interested in studying Science Extension at UTS, we ask that schools choose students based on merit and diversity of interested disciplines. Schools should ensure that only those 10 students enrol in the program.
• Entry to the Mentor Science+ Science Extension Program is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Entry Pathway to undergraduate science courses via Mentor Science + Science Extension Program 

Students who successfully complete the Mentor Science + Science Extension Program and meet a selection criterion will be eligible to enrol in their preferred undergraduate Science courses including combined degrees and the Undergraduate Certificate in Science.

Thank you for your interest in the Mentor Science+ Science Extension Program. 

• Once schools have selected students to study Science Extension at UTS, students will need to complete an enrolment form with their parents. The enrolment form does not require any teacher or school statements, resumes or academic transcripts. All students are required to have the permission of a parent/guardian. Science Extension students should ensure they consult with their school/teachers about their suitability for participation in the program.

Student enrolments for Mentor Science+ Science Extension are now open. 

Please email Mentorscienceplus@uts.edu.au to register your interest

Enrolments close at 5pm on Friday 26 September 2025.