The Step into STEM pilot program is a collaboration between the Northern Territory (NT) Department of Education, Sarah Davis from PricewaterhouseCoopers Indigenous Consulting and Fiona Evans, business owner of Evoke Sustainability and Inspired NT.
The program engages NT high school students at the ‘critical’ years (Years 9 - 11) when students are making pivotal decisions about subject selection and subsequent tertiary study. There is a particular focus on engaging female students to pursue a career in STEM. It consists of practical science challenges and ongoing mentorship for practical academics and career advice.
The program has 3 phases:
- challenge
- mentor and
- experience.
The program was showcased nationally through the ABC. Watch video below:
So far, students have benefited greatly by working with CDU Masters and PHD students as mentors, to help frame their science inquiry. On Friday 19 November, students and mentors came together to present findings and hear from their CDU peers about current university research projects.
The program aligns with the:
- department’s STEM in the Territory Strategy 2018-2022
- Digital Territory Strategy and
- Ministers for Education’s focus on supporting girls in STEM.
