Blue Mountains City Council is teaming with Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, to launch the STEM Community Partnerships Program (STEM CPP) in 2022.
As part of CSIRO’s Generation STEM 10-year initiative to attract, support, train and retain students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers, STEM CPP is aimed at promoting the learning of STEM subjects in schools.
“It’s important that our local students stay up-to-date with the fast-paced growth of STEM subjects, for their own careers and to make a difference in our community. So I’m delighted that we’ve teamed up with CSIRO to support our local schools with this groundbreaking initiative,” said Blue Mountains Mayor, Mark Greenhill.
“The program aims to create strong partnerships between local schools and industry to provide opportunities for students to develop their STEM skills in a meaningful and engaging way. To do this Council is working in collaboration with local industry partners to give Year 9 and 10 students the chance to address real-world STEM challenges.”
Local students are being invited to participate in the program at no cost, with teachers paired with a local STEM professional to mentor them through the projects. The students will participate in site visits, masterclasses, work experience and local STEM careers events, Mayor Greenhill said.
The STEM CPP has a number of benefits for schools, students and staff:
- Higher levels of youth engagement in solving community challenges;
- Positive STEM-based activities for students, which may increase transferable skills and encourage interest in continuing STEM subjects and careers;
- Enhanced connections between local schools, industry and Council;
- Heightened awareness of local STEM career pathways and opportunities;
- Increased staff skills and knowledge through exposure to contemporary STEM practices.
For further information about the program, visit csiro.au/en/education/programs/generation-stem/about
