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About the program

CSIRO’s award winning Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy is a national program for young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women from high school through to higher education, tertiary pathways and graduate employment.

The Academy engages and mentors young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women in who are interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

There is no cost to schools, students, parents/carers and no additional workloads are expected for busy teachers. The Academy is delivered by over 85% Indigenous staff, with the support of exemplary and Child Safe screened STEM Professional mentors and industry leaders.

Learn more about why we're here

Apply for the program

Be part of the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy. Find out more by completing an expression of interest form.

Expression of interest form

The opportunity

The Academy implements culturally safe, inclusive practices to provide targeted, long-term support and access to STEM experiences and STEM careers. It is an individualised support program, that also fosters a peer network for Indigenous young women who have shared interests in science, technology, engineering and maths. Participants work with their dedicated Academic Coordinator to create exciting personal opportunities to explore STEM subjects and career interests outside of the classroom.

Examples of participation include attendance at engineering summer camps, networking with STEM mentors and industry experts, cultural immersion activities, work placements and paid internships with culturally competent companies, national assemblies, and access to resource support.

Young women enrolled in the high school program receive a variety of contact hours:

  • Face-to-face school visits (during recess/lunch times)
  • Virtual National Assemblies each semester
  • STEM Camps for students in Years 8 and 9 during school holidays.

Program eligibility

The Academy is open to young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Island women living in Australia. Intakes are dependent on scheduled year cohorts, but we highly encourage potential applicants to email the Academy outside of these schedules, as the program may adapt to new locations and ages depending on demand, year on year.

Eligibility requirements:

  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander female or female identifying.
  • In Year 9 or above from 2024 onwards.
  • Passing English, Maths and Science.
  • Registered for school or homeschooling in their Australian state or territory.
  • Demonstrated interest in STEM subjects and topics.
  • Young women registered for school, boarding school or homeschooling.
  • An expressed interest in STEM, and eagerness to enrol in STEM subjects as applicable.

 

How to apply

Complete our expression of interest form and The STEM Academy will assess your eligibility.

If eligible and there is an intake in your area, we will send you an application form to register and apply for the program.

The application will require parent/carer consent and some detailed information about interests and goals.

Expression of interest form

Program outcomes

The Academy was developed to help increase the number of Indigenous women into Australia’s STEM industries. At CSIRO, we know that a diverse workforce leads to diversity in research and thinking, helping to solve the world’s greatest challenges. Studying STEM can lead to many opportunities, with three in every four jobs of the future requiring STEM skills. Participation in the Academy can lead to increased confidence, skills and a nurtured pathway into a STEM career. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are Australia’s first scientists, engineers, mathematicians and technologists and this knowledge allowed us to thrive in Australia for over 60,000 years. The Academy supports young Indigenous women to succeed in STEM areas by promoting the knowledges and voices of First Nations people and providing a holistic program that focuses on strengths and opportunities for participants.

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