Aboriginal Summer School for Excellence 
in Technology and Science (ASSETS) 
evaluation case study report

Executive summary

The Aboriginal Summer School for Excellence in Technology and Science (ASSETS) program 
provides an opportunity for high achieving Year 10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, with 
an interest in science, to explore study and career options available to them in science, technology, 
engineering and mathematics (STEM). 

ASSETS comprises a nine-day residential summer school 
and a leadership and development program supporting 
alumni. ASSETS is one of six programs that comprise 
the Indigenous STEM Education Project, which is 
funded by the BHP Foundation and delivered by CSIRO. 
The overarching goal of the Indigenous STEM Education 
Project is to provide supported pathways that improve 
the participation and achievement of Aboriginal and 
Torres Strait Islander students in STEM subjects.

The evaluation case study report reviews the degree 
to which the ASSETS program has achieved its 
intended outcomes:

1. High aspiration for a STEM career (and STEM 
subject selection)
2. Better understanding of, and confidence in 
pursuing, STEM career pathways
3. Greater confidence in cultural identity and the 
relevance of culture for a STEM career
4. Growth in student and professional networks
5. Increased community and parental engagement


The case study methodology included interviews with 37 students, 
program staff, and program partners (academic staff from other 
agencies and programs who volunteer their time and expertise, 
and STEM professionals). To supplement the interview data, and to 
provide a more complete picture of the progress towards the intended 
outcomes, the case study also utilised online survey data that had been 
collected as part of ASSETS program monitoring processes from 
2014-2017.

Overall, the evaluation findings show that the program is meeting its 
intended outcomes, including effectively providing opportunities to 
high achieving Year 10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students 
to explore study and career options in STEM. The impact of ASSETS on 
many students has been significant, often life-changing, in terms of 
supporting study and career directions and creating peer networks. 
Increases in knowledge about preparing for STEM study at university 
and STEM careers were also observed. The unique combination of 
components that make up the ASSETS model are critical to the success 
of the program.

In line with the strengths-based approach of the case study research, 
several recommendations to build on the achievements of the program 
have also been suggested including encouraging more community 
inspired inquiries; providing students with more explicit examples 
of how culture relates to STEM careers; and continuing to improve 
personalised support during and after the summer schools.

The Indigenous STEM Education Project is funded 
by BHP Foundation and delivered by CSIRO.

B&M | 20-008