STEM resources to encourage girls

High school students in Western Sydney got a peek at a new resource which aims to get more girls studying science, technology, engineering and maths. The online resource makes it easy for students across the country to access information about potential career pathways in STEM.

Jamison High School in Penrith were among the first to see the toolkit running, Developed by Education Services Australia, the Girls in STEM Toolkit includes articles, case studies, podcasts and tools for girls to understand how their existing skills and interests link to STEM study pathways and, ultimately, exciting and challenging careers.

“Together, these initiatives will ensure boys and girls in Western Sydney and around Australia have the opportunity to take up the rewarding, high-income jobs ahead of them.

“Boosting the confidence and engagement of our next generation of STEM superstars will have a positive economic flow-on effect for Australia, as we compete in a tech-driven, global economy,” Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said.

“STEM is everywhere – it shapes our everyday lives and is critical to jobs of the future, but there is currently a big achievement gap between girls and boys in STEM in schools.”

This builds on other Women in STEM initiatives announced in the 2019-20 Budget, including continued support for the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative and funding for a national digital awareness-raising initiative to increase visibility of girls and women in STEM.

The toolkit will be officially launched on 12 September at the It Takes a Spark Conference in Melbourne.