Regional Development Australia (RDA) Central West has partnered with Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, to bring an exciting initiative to our region this year– the Generation STEM Community Partnerships Program (STEM CPP).
Following its success in other NSW regions, STEM CPP aims to empower the next generation of young people with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills required to enable NSW communities to prosper and create a better future for all Australians.
The initiative connects teachers and students with local employers, showcasing the relevance of STEM in everyday life and increases student engagement in related subjects.
RDA Central West director Wayne Sunderland is calling upon all high schools in the region to get behind this fantastic opportunity for students in years 9 and 10.
“The program collaborates with local schools, government, and industry, aiming to build STEM skills among students and connect them to STEM career opportunities in our area. In turn, this helps to enable the central west region to grow sustainably and retain local talent by educating our youth on the STEM career options at their doorsteps,” said Mr. Sunderland.
“The program provides year 9 and 10 students with an opportunity to engage in STEM inquiry-based projects to address real-world STEM challenges. RDA Central West will identify these challenges in collaboration with local industry partners. The program is flexible in its delivery, suitable for a range of STEM subjects, and mapped against the curriculum, making it easy for teachers to incorporate into learning sessions.”
RDA Central West projects and grants officer Sophie Lountain added that both teachers and students will be provided with an experience they will enjoy, catered to their own needs.
“Teachers will be paired with a local STEM professional to mentor them through the projects. Additionally, students can participate in site visits, masterclasses, work experience, and local STEM careers events throughout the year, making it an attractive and valuable experience for all involved, helping students to identify their individual interests and talents in possible STEM careers,” said Miss Lountain.
“We have a range of government, non-government and industry partners in the Central West participating in the program in 2022 and welcome continued expressions of interest.”
CSIRO will run virtual information sessions over the next few weeks, where they will share further details about program requirements, participation benefits, and the school support on offer.
We have just opened a mid-year intake for the program and will be running a Schools Information Session at the end of the month.
Event: CSIRO STEM CPP School Information Session (Virtual)
Dates and time: Wednesday, 3.30-4.15pm: Term 2, Week 10, 29th June 2022
Location: Zoom, please use the following link to join:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83944930671
RDA Central West encourages all local high schools to participate and is excited to announce local industry partners in the coming weeks.
The Generation STEM CPP is made possible through the NSW Government’s $25 million endowment to the Science and Industry Endowment Fund.
For more information, contact:
Regional Development Australia Central West
Sophie Lountain
Projects and Grants Officer,
Phone: 6369 1600 or email projects_grants@rdacentralwest.org.au.
CSIRO
generationSTEM@csiro.au