Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy: celebrating five years

Many of the first Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy students from the Townsville and Cairns Year 8 cohort are now celebrating their Year 12 formals ahead of graduation at the end of 2023. 

Since 2018, the Academy has made genuine impact on young Indigenous women across Australia, nurturing the next generation of Indigenous STEM leaders.

With this wonderful milestone underway, we thought we’d reflect back on the first 5 years of the Academy and how the 10 year project has made a difference to students so far.

The Academy has been a catalyst for empowering young Indigenous women to connect with their STEM interests, opening doors to educational and cultural opportunities. 

Gemma is a member of the Central West NSW & ACT cohort and is in Year 10. She recently did a work experience placement at the veterinary hospital at Taronga Zoo in Sydney. 

‘I got to see what it was like to work with a variety of animals from wallabies to seals and have an up close look at treatment rooms, operating theatres and technology used when treating animals. 

I looked at x-rays and procedures such as euthanasia, inserting catheters and general health checks.’

‘I also dealt with some basic care and cleaning, feeding animals and cleaning both cages and treatment rooms with the proper equipment.’

By empowering young Indigenous women with options for culturally inclusive education, opportunities, and mentorship, the Academy is not only breaking the gender barrier but also continuing efforts to bridge the gap of under representation of Indigenous people in STEM fields. 

‘I had an amazing time with so many different animals and it has inspired me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine,’ said Gemma.

The success to date of the Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy can be measured not just by the number of girls who are exceeding national education participation rates, but by the transformative impact it has had on their dreams, lives and the communities they belong to. 

As the Academy looks to the next 5 years, its commitment to fostering passion for STEM interests, building a strong network of alumni, and STEM-ready graduates remains unwavering.