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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

The Indigenous STEM Awards recognise, reward and celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and scientists who are studying and working in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) field.

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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Motif representing the visual identity for the Indigenous STEM Education Program

Our story

The rationale and meaning behind the distinct visual identity for the project is based on Indigenous culture and the journey of learning.
Shailyn Isaac

2017 Winners and Finalists

The 2017 Indigenous STEM Awards were announced in March 2018 at Wiluna Remote Community School in Western Australia.

Image of three boys out on country in WA with the Science Pathways program

Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners

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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