Applications now open for 2021 Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy

Media Release: CSIRO

Young Indigenous women invited to apply for unique program to support their STEM ambitions in school and beyond.

Applications are now open for the 2021 intake of students to join the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy (YIWSA); a specialised program designed for young Indigenous women interested in study and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Joining the program in Year 8 and Year 9, eligible students receive personalised support and resources throughout high school, university and on to graduate employment. Participants receive mentoring by a dedicated CSIRO Academic Coordinator, and access an online community of peers, Indigenous leaders in STEM fields, and academic advisors. They also take part in activities such as STEM camps, work placements, and other STEM extension activities throughout their time in the Academy.

In a staged approach to recruitment, the program is being rolled-out in in new regions each year in order to reach the target 600 participants across Australia by 2023. The 2020 cohort will be invited from communities in the Northern Territory, Central West NSW and Brisbane and Southern areas.  Additionally, in2021 a cohort of Year 9 students from communities in Western Australia, Newcastle and Central Coast NSW and Greater Western Sydney are also being invited to apply.  Beyond 2023 YIWSA will focus on supporting its existing participants through to university.

“We know that young women, and particularly young women from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, have a lot to offer STEM fields. They have their own unique cultural perspectives and knowledges to bring to their studies, and in the future, to industry,” said Cassandra Diamond, Manager of the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy.

“Our participants also benefit from accessing top CSIRO educational programs including Bebras (a computational thinking competition), and CREST (Creativity in Engineering, Science and Technology).

“Our graduates will be strongly placed to succeed in their studies and to enter university directly from school – and we’re excited to see what they will achieve in STEM beyond that point!”

The Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy is an Indigenous STEM Education Project managed by CSIRO in partnership with Career Trackers. The Academy is funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency and provides individualised support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander females who want to pursue STEM studies and careers.

Eligibility criteria applies.

Applications close Monday 19^th April.