Grants to boost makeyness in schools
Grants between $2000 and $20,000 will be available to fund Maker and STEAM Projects opening on Thursday 8 November.
Grants are offered through two streams. Stream A is for primary and secondary schools, where they can access grants of between $2000 to $5000 to establish maker spaces. While Stream B is for community organisations partnering with industry to run STEM-related events and education activities for Australians under 18. Eligible organisations can apply for funding of between $5000 and $20,000.
Funding for the program comes from the $29.8 million Inspiring Australia science engagement program, through the National Innovation and Science Agenda, aimed at harnessing science, research and innovation as long-term drivers of Australia’s economic prosperity, jobs and growth.
Maker Projects grants are highly competitive and applications will be assessed in the order they are received. The round will close once the annual allocation of funding is exhausted.
“The Coalition is providing $1 million in grants through the Maker Projects program, supporting the development of science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills among Australia’s youth,” Minister Karen Andrews said.
“Mathematics and science skills are essential for our economic prosperity and the jobs of the future, and the Coalition is working to encourage more students, particularly girls and young women, to study these subjects.
“We know that 75 per cent of future jobs will require these skills, and this program introduces young people to STEM, allowing them to learn useful skills that can lead to rewarding careers.”
Applications can be submitted online from Thursday 8 November 2018 at midday (AEDT). To find out more and to apply, visit: