Three NRL Cowboys House students have been selected as part of an elite group of 25 participants from across Australia for an opportunity which could help shape their futures.
Thelrina Akene (Year 10 Heatley Secondary College) are in Sydney this week taking part in the 2025 Indigenous Australian Engineering School (IAES) Aspiration Program.
NRL Cowboys House General Manager Rochelle Jones said it was a proud achievement for the students and the House community.
“The application process for this program was highly competitive,” Rochelle said,
“It’s incredible to have three of our students recognised for their achievements and potential and listed in the top 25 applicants in the country,” she said.
“We are extremely proud of them and excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.”
The IAES Aspiration program will be held at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, in collaboration with UNSW Engineering and Engineering Aid Australia.
Students will gain an understanding of the role of engineers and their impact on communities and the wider world, build professional connections with higher education and industry professionals and, gain hands-on experience in labs and Makerspaces at UNSW.
For Thelrina, who is from Yam Island in the Torres Strait, it’s a dream opportunity on her way to achieving her career goals.
“I’m so excited because this will give me some real-life experience in an area I want to work in the future,” she said.
“I have been doing engineering at school since year 7 and I love it.
“It feels pretty amazing to be chosen out of everyone in Australia and I’m definitely going to make the most of it.”
The group will also take part in cultural activities and experience the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb and the Tribal Warrier Sydney Harbour Cruise.
The 2025 IAES Program runs from 12-18 January.
Download information brochure
