Breaking Barriers: Rural girls explore science through AUW-Chevron programme

Chevron Bangladesh is backing a month-long Math and Science Summer School run by the Asian University for Women (AUW), aimed at encouraging girls from remote regions to pursue science education.

This year, 102 higher secondary students from across Bangladesh, including the greater Sylhet region, are participating in the hands-on learning programme focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

As part of the initiative, a Science Festival was held on 17 July, where students showcased their practical knowledge across disciplines such as physics, chemistry, public health, coding, mathematics, photography, and videography.

Hands-on STEM projects spark curiosity among students

Over 12 student groups presented interactive and innovative projects, including fire alarms, traffic management systems, and holograms.

Public health groups displayed awareness campaigns on dengue in Dhaka, dietary guidelines, low-cost meal plans, and risk assessment charts for heart disease based on age and weight.

Participants from the coding groups built simple computer games, while chemistry groups demonstrated changes in substance properties through reactions.

Nabila Sabbir Chowdhury Anika from Sylhet shared her enthusiasm, saying, "We are learning many new things and applying textbook knowledge practically. If I can get admission to this university, I will have more opportunities to explore and achieve something meaningful."

Chevron aims to challenge gender stereotypes, allocates Tk 3 lakh per student

Since its launch in 2019, the summer school has introduced hundreds of young women to higher education and career possibilities in STEM.

This year's courses are taught by both Bangladeshi and international faculty specializing in math, physics, chemistry, computer programming, and public health.

Chevron Bangladesh allocates around Tk 300,000 per student, offering full residential training each July in a multicultural setting.

Half the participants are selected from Chevron's key operational area in Sylhet, with the rest coming from Dhaka, Chattogram, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

A K M Arif Akter, Head of Community Engagement & Sustainability at Chevron Bangladesh, said, "We've supported this programme since 2019 to challenge the myth that rural women can't study science."

Sidratul Muntaha Samia from Cox's Bazar added, "Every moment here is a new learning experience that will shape my future."

AUW to offer direct admission to top performers this year

AUW Summer School Coordinator Iffat Mahjabin said students are selected through a competitive process involving online campaigns, school visits, application screening, and phone interviews.

She added that starting this year, 15-20 top performers will receive direct admission offers from AUW without entrance exams.

The programme was suspended in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic but resumed in 2022. So far, 270 students have completed it, with 102 participating this year.

Chevron Bangladesh is the country's largest natural gas producer, operating three fields in the northeast. It supplies around 60% of domestic gas and 83% of condensate, while also investing in long-term community development.