HIGH school students in Parramatta LGA will be invited to get hands-on opportunities to develop skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as part of the Federal Government’s Maker Projects program.
The not-for-profit Western Sydney Business Connection has received $97,000 under the program to deliver the Western Sydney STEM Careers Interactive Series project, an interactive CISRO program that will see students create replicate astrophysics equipment and develop coding for 3D modelling.
Schools in the Parramatta and Cumberland LGAs will be invited to participate in the Term 1 2022 Virtual Expo.
Liberal Senator for Western Sydney, Senator Marise Payne, said the project is an excellent opportunity for young Australians to expand their knowledge and spark their curiosity about STEM fields and careers.
“STEM skills are the future – they’re the passport to the jobs of the future in advanced manufacturing, defense, health and medical science and agri-business, that are being developed in Western Sydney, for Western Sydney,” Senator Payne said.
“This unique program will bring the opportunities associated with the Western Sydney International Airport and the Aerotropolis into the classroom, ensuring students familiarise themselves through practical workshops.”
Amanda Brisot, General Manager of the Western Sydney Business Connection said their Maker Project would help equip students with essential skills.
“We’re very excited to be delivering this educational program in schools across Western Sydney because we know that our region will be ‘ground zero’ for STEM-related careers,” Ms Brisot said.
“The generous support of the government will mean we are able to invite over 300 Western Sydney schools, including schools in the Parramatta region, to participate in the program which is being supported by CSIRO.”
The Maker Projects grants are part of the Inspiring Australia – Science Engagement Program and support STEM-related organisations and businesses to partner with other businesses, experts, schools and community organisations to deliver STEM initiatives.
Twenty-one projects across Australia were successfully funded in the 2020 grants round.
