The Qatar University Young Scientists Center (QU-YSC) concluded its second cycle of the ‘Gateway to Qatar University program’ for preparatory students, which saw the participation of 176 students from nine local schools.
Five schools for boys participated in the program: Salah El-Din Preparatory School for Boys, Doha Preparatory School for Boys, Ali bin Abi Talib Preparatory School for Boys, Ibn Khaldun Preparatory School for Boys, and Talha bin Ubaid Preparatory School for Boys. The four participating girls schools are: Zainab Preparatory School for Girls, Hind Bint Amr Al Ansariya Preparatory School for Girls, Al-Daayen School Preparatory School for Girls, and Moza Bint Mohammed Preparatory School for Girls.
The program was keen to introduce students to the fields of STEM (namely science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) to motivate young people to explore these disciplines from a young age and allow them to discover their aspirations and scientific passion early, which facilitates the process of choosing a university major later. The program includes workshops that follow the STEM learning system. This innovative educational system aims to advance education and prepare students to deal with modern practical reality through interactive scientific activities based on research and creative learning.
During this program, students learned about several fields at QU, including engineering, science, and the medical fields represented by the Colleges of Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Pharmacy. Students went through an exciting and enjoyable scientific journey to learn in-depth about the different branches each college offers and the job opportunities available for each major.
Prof. Noora Al-Thani, Director of the QU-YSC, said in her speech, “Without a doubt, one of the most challenging things for secondary school students who are preparing to join the university is how to choose the appropriate major and the appropriate university that can meet their future desires. As this pivotal step poses a great challenge and puts them under countless pressure, the ‘Gateway to Qatar University’ program aims to help secondary school students learn about university majors early, which will prepare a generation of scientists to fulfill market demands and achieve Qatar National Vision 2030.”
Prof. Noora Al-Thani also expressed her happiness with the second cycle of the program for preparatory schools, which was fully prepared and developed by the QU-YSC. Finally, she thanked the center's partners, namely the UNESCO-Doha Office and the Qatar National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science.