The students from across regional Victoria will get the opportunity to study nanoscience, stem cells and astrophysics at the state’s leading specialist school in science, maths and associated technologies.

The four week program includes classes, workshops and visits to the CSIRO and Monash University, which have partnerships with the school.

Eaglehawk Secondary College year 10 student Meghan Frederick is representing her school at the JMSS, and teacher Casey Fry said Meghan had always had a passion for science during her four years at Eaglehawk.

“She’s very keen on a future in science, whether it be in the health field or [elsewhere], even right from year 7, she’s liked that area,” she said.

Ms Fry said Meghan would benefit from the wider range of experiences offered through the program.

“They’re going to a school that’s full of kids with the same passion and enthusiasm and desire, and obviously it’s a school that’s geared toward science and technology so they’ve got a lot more equipment and experiences they can offer the kids,” she said.

“And it’s right near Monash University so they’re exposed to life as tertiary students and they just get a whole breadth of experiences.”

Ms Fry said the school was always trying to improve opportunities for its students to pursue career pathways in the science and technology fields.

“As a school we’re very excited to be a part of the program because it’s an extra opportunity for our students, and society’s moving towards science and technology so it’s just a way we can move our students forward,” she said.

“We’re trying to promote more students into science as a whole, it’d be good to get more girls involved but we’re just trying to boost it up and incorporate a bit of technology and innovation.”

State Education Minister James Merlino launched the program on Monday.

“This exchange program is one of the great ways students across Victoria are being supported to develop the skills they need in science subjects to set them up for the jobs of the future,” he said. “We are building science, technology, engineering and maths skills in Victorian schools with new subjects, and more training and support for teachers.”

The students will complete science projects after they return to their home schools, which they will present at a Science Fair in October.