The Science and Engineering Challenge has kicked off a crowdfunding campaign to raise $9,000 for an Indigenous Science Communication scholarship to help close the gap in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEM education: www.pozi.be/sciengchallenge
Here’s a short video why.
As you would be aware there has been much commentary in recent years about the need to future proof Australia’s workforce by growing the country’s skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Despite a strong growth in Indigenous admissions, participation and completion of STEM subjects is much lower than other degree areas. With 75% of the fastest growing occupations worldwide requiring STEM skills and knowledge, it is vital that this gap is addressed.
The Challenge is aiming to address this problem by providing an Indigenous student at the University of Newcastle the opportunity to work full time with the Science and Engineering Challenge for one semester. They will be sponsored to complete an online science communication course and travel around Australia with the Challenge team, learning beneficial leadership, practical and communication skills that will increase their future employability.
An increased Indigenous presence in Science and Engineering Challenge activities will provide a role model for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school students who attend Challenge events. This builds the visibility of pathways from school maths and science to real jobs, and will help to drive the Indigenous STEM careers pipeline forward.
Please Give now to our crowd funding campaign and help us close the Indigenous STEM education gap.
JODIE RYAN, JP, M.Phil (Sociology), BA (Psychology & Education)
Development Officer
Science and Engineering Challenge