Two South Coast high schools will share in more than $20,000 from the Australian Government to help immerse students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said Bomaderry and Ulladulla High Schools were among 134 organisations across the country that will share $1.6 million in funding through the Sponsorship Grants for Student Science Engagement and International Competitions, a part of the Inspiring Australia – Science Engagement Program.
Female students in year 8 at Bomaderry High are taking part in the Orbispace Initiative, a twenty-week STEM innovation program which will increase their engagement and confidence in STEM subjects and foster their development as future innovators.
Ulladulla High School students have received funding to help their entry into the First Tech Challenge - Asia Pacific Open Championships, where they will code, design and compete with robots.
“The funding will also help students acquire valuable life skills such as teamwork, collaboration, and public speaking,” Mrs Phillips said.
“It’s great to promote gender equity in STEM education by encouraging more girls to pursue STEM careers and to support students as part of the government's vision for a science-engaged society.
“I’m really pleased to support local students to pursue their passion in science, technology, engineering and maths.
“Sparking an interest in STEM from an early age is critical in ensuring young Australians aspire to study and work in these fields.
“This is great news for local school students at Ulladulla and Bomaderry and I wish the students well with their projects.
Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said the Inspiring Australia – Science Engagement Program helps students participate in STEM engagement events, activities and competitions hosted in Australia or overseas.
The grants aim to increase the number of students participating in domestic and international STEM competitions and events and boost the engagement and participation for groups under-represented in STEM.
Grants will support students to take part in programs such as Space Camp USA, Connecting Minds Project in Japan and the National Indigenous Astronomy Autumn School.
“The demand for STEM skills in the workforce has never been higher,” Senator Ayres said.
“We need to ensure Australia can meet that demand and our goal of 1.2 million technology-related jobs by 2030.
“By supporting STEM skills development and enabling access to exciting STEM programs we can encourage students towards pursuing a STEM career.
“A diverse and strong STEM workforce will help us to take advantage of opportunities in emerging industries like renewable energy, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics and quantum.”
More information about the Inspiring Australia – Science Engagement Program is on the Department of Industry, Science and Resources website.
Photo: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips with members of the 2024 House of Ulladulla robotics team.
