Program to support Indigenous STEM students

A $28.8 million program, designed by CSIRO and funded by the BHB Billiton Foundation, has been launched to increase interest and achievement among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The five-year program will provide individual support and customised pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in STEM subjects from primary school through to university. It was launched this week by Minister for Industry Ian Macfarlane, BHP Billiton CEO Andrew Mackenzie and CSIRO CEO Dr Megan Clark.

“Science is integral to our future both in terms of economic and social opportunities,” Macfarlane said. “In order to reach our full potential, Australia will need more well-trained scientists to build on the work already being done across a range of sectors.

“While there are ongoing programs encouraging interest in STEM subjects in schools and across Australian communities, there is still a significant gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and non-Indigenous students in their performance and educational outcomes - particularly in STEM subjects.”

The program includes primary through to secondary school programs, summer school and mentoring for high-achieving year 10 students, excellence awards and a tailored Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne. It will be managed by CSIRO and will target schools in metropolitan, regional and rural areas with high Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations.

Western Australian and Queensland students learning science and mathematics through a customised program for Indigenous students.

“CSIRO has delivered education initiatives across Australia for over 35 years and, in parallel to this, we have a dedicated Indigenous science program that not only aims to get more Indigenous scientists working in CSIRO, but also delivers science projects for Indigenous communities,” Dr Clark said.

“Our partnership with BHP Billiton will enhance and expand our education programs to reach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from across Australia.”

Mackenzie said the program will build on CSIRO’s track record of improving educational outcomes as well as BHP Billiton’s 33-year partnership with CSIRO through its support of the Science and Engineering Awards.

“This latest long-term partnership commitment between CSIRO and BHP Billiton is aligned not only to the foundation’s focus on STEM education but also the company’s commitment to provide tangible opportunities that support Aboriginal peoples with education, training, employment and business development,” he said.

“We hope the program encourages more Aboriginal students to consider a rewarding career in the STEM disciplines, which will go some way to further closing the gap and recognising the important contribution Aboriginal Australians make to the economy.”

Macfarlane noted that STEM disciplines “feed into important Australian industries, including mining, construction and manufacturing” and that “companies operating in regional and remote parts of Australia, including Indigenous communities, are also heavily reliant on a STEM-skilled workforce”.

He said the program will “enable students to reach their full potential, improve participation and ultimately increase their employment opportunities”.