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With the support of the BHP Billiton Foundation, we’re implementing an important new education project aimed at increasing participation and achievement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). There are six program elements to the project, which caters to the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students as they progress through primary, secondary and tertiary education, and into employment.

Education

Science Pathways for Indigenous Communities

Targeting primary and middle school students in remote Indigenous communities, this program uses on-country projects as the context for learning science linked to Indigenous ecological knowledge.

Inquiry for Indigenous Science Students

Targeting middle-school students in mainstream metropolitan and regional schools, the I2S2 program uses hands-on inquiry-based projects to increase student engagement and achievement in science.

PRIME Futures

This program targets Foundation to Year 9 students in mainstream metropolitan and regional schools, and provides tools and support to improve mathematics outcomes for students. It also provides mathematical preparation for STEM careers.

Aboriginal Summer School for Excellence in Technology and Science (ASSETS)

A program that targets high-achieving Year 10 students, bringing them together for a residential summer school, as well as providing a support program to nurture these students through Years 11 and 12.

Indigenous STEM Awards

In its inaugural year, the 2016 Indigenous STEM Awards are inviting nominations from students, teachers, schools, scientists and STEM champions that have been participating in the Indigenous STEM Education Project and from Indigenous STEM professionals nationally.

Bachelor of Science (Extended)

A degree program that provides a supported pathway to complete a mainstream Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who show potential, but who might otherwise not have access to such an opportunity.

Project information

The project aims to improve participation and achievement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The six program elements of the program cater to the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students as they progress through primary, secondary and tertiary education, and into employment.

Monitoring & evaluation, sustainability

Designed to maximise the impact beyond the term of the project, the funding will be used to both prove that the approach is effective, and also to demonstrate a model for growth that could be adopted by schools and education jurisdictions. A sustainability plan, based on evidence gathered during monitoring and evaluation, will be developed to outline and pursue explicit options for the future.

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Photo of attendees at presentation ceremony at Gordonvale High School

2016 Indigenous STEM Awards winners

The winners of the inaugural 2016 Indigenous STEM Awards were announced on Friday 9 December 2016 at Gordonvale State High School.

Photograph of participants Kieren, Kelly, Nat and Judy in the laboratory

Upcoming summer schools

ASSETS summer schools will be running in Adelaide, Newcastle and Townsville in December 2017 and January 2018. APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED - Applications opened on 22 May and closed on 30 June 2017.
Image of three boys out on country in WA with the Science Pathways program

Acknowledgement of Country

A deep respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practices and knowledges underpins the philosophy and practice of the Indigenous STEM Education Project.

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