Reports show that 75% of future jobs will require skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education – a call to action that governments and schools are taking seriously.
Worryingly, student outcomes across the four key disciplines of STEM have been slipping in recent years with around 30% of Australian 15 year-olds not meeting basic standards for reading, maths or science.
On Wednesday, Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews, announced a new grants program to introduce young people to STEM in a hands-on way, allowing them to learn useful skills that can lead to rewarding careers.
The Coalition Government’s Maker Projects grants, which range between $2,000 and $20,000, will be open to Australian schools and community organisations from next Thursday, 8 November.
“The Coalition is providing $1m in grants through the Maker Projects program, supporting the development of science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills among Australia’s youth,” Minister 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.”
Maker Projects fosters creativity and learning in Australian schools and communities through the creation of maker spaces in schools, such as creative hubs and mobile innovation labs, where students can develop and apply their STEM skills, like problem-solving and creative thinking, in a hands-on way.
Grants are offered through two streams. Stream A is for primary and secondary schools, where they can access grants of between $2,000 to $5,000 to establish maker spaces.
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 $5,000 and $20,000.
Funding for the program comes from the $29.8m Inspiring Australia science engagement program, through the Coalition’s National Innovation and Science Agenda, aimed at harnessing science, research and innovation as long-term drivers of Australia’s economic prosperity, jobs and growth.