What methods do junk-food manufacturers use to make sure people keep buying their products? More than 150 Indigenous students are about to find out - at The University of Western Australia's Year 8 Discovery Days.

Held from Tuesday to Friday next week with around 35 students each day, the Discovery Days introduce students to the University environment and encourage them to consider a future tertiary education for themselves. Organised by UWA's School of Indigenous Studies, the event has attracted Indigenous students from metropolitan Government and private schools since 2000.

Marketing expert Assistant Professor Daniel Schepis of UWA's Business School will introduce the students to fast-food marketing ploys to help them hone their critical thinking skills. They will also learn how scientists develop the crunch in crisps - and do some sampling themselves.

Other activities include fitness testing in the gymnasium at UWA's School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health.

The Outreach program at the UWA School of Indigenous Studies has been very successful in attracting Indigenous students to University. Many secondary students who have enjoyed the Year 8 Discovery Days, camps and other activities run by the School of Indigenous Studies and Aspire UWA over the years have gone on to graduate from UWA and embark on careers in arts, law, architecture, medicine, science, health and engineering.

This year, 38 Indigenous students will graduate from UWA, the highest number in the University's history.

Media references

Heidi Madden (Aspire Project Officer, UWA School of Indigenous Studies)  (+61 8) 6488 7658
David Stacey (UWA Media Manager)  (+61 8) 6488 3229 / (+61 4) 32 637 716