Boosting equity and diversity in STEM

The five-year, multimillion-dollar STEM Together program has launched for students in Years 5–10.

The program is backed by a partnership between CSIRO and corporate philanthropy organisation The BHP Foundation. It aims to boost representation for student groups that have traditionally had lower participation rates in STEM, including students from regional schools, girls, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and those from less advantaged areas.

Research by the Harvard Kennedy School shows the average 15-year-old from a lower advantage background in Australia is three years behind their peers from high socio-economic backgrounds in maths and science. According to the Programme for International Student Assessment, the average 15-year-old from a remote location is 1.5 years behind their inner-city counterparts in maths.

Beyond school, a report from the Office of the Chief Scientist shows that only 0.5% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders hold a STEM degree, while the STEM Equity Monitor report stated that women make up only 36% of STEM university enrolments.

Director of CSIRO Education and Outreach Ruth Carr said STEM skills will play a critical role in Australia’s future.

“As a country, we must ensure our young people have the skills to face the challenges the world throws at them and to make sure Australia remains globally competitive. If we don’t do this we’re going to fall behind,” she said.

“We can put cutting-edge science into the hands of young people to build a strong and diverse STEM-capable workforce that Australia needs now and in the future, and this starts at school.

“STEM Together will upskill teachers so that they are confident in teaching STEM. We’ll show students what STEM is like in real life, and we’ll reward their interest in STEM with prizes tailored specifically to them.”

As part of the program, a ‘Future Shapers’ initiative offers nominated students or their supporters the opportunity to design a unique experience related to a STEM area they are interested in. If a nominee was curious about marine life, for example, then there are different ways to tailor the prize.

“We could bring them to the Great Barrier Reef to see research in action. Alternatively, we could put them in touch with marine biologists as mentors, or give them some equipment to keep exploring,” Carr said.

BHP Foundation Australia Program Director Victoria Thom said the program challenges stereotypes of what makes a STEM student or professional.

“Evidence shows us the greatest way to solve complex problems is by harnessing diverse minds,” Thom said.

“Currently Australia’s STEM talent pipeline is missing representation from a diversity of students. By valuing strengths like curiosity, critical thinking, perseverance and how these can be applied to investigate or solve real-world problems, we hope CSIRO’s program will encourage more students to see themselves in STEM subjects and career paths,” she said.

Spanning five years, the STEM Together program includes three streams that will build the capability and confidence of teachers and students to engage in STEM. Adding to the Future Shapers recognition program, STEM Together facilitates development sessions for teachers, and learning experiences for student groups. These can include class activities, connecting to industry professionals, and excursions, all based on real-world STEM.

Nominations for the STEM Together Future Shapers program are open until 2 May.

Image caption: Eden Public School students maximise light from solar powered lights as part of CSIRO's STEM Together Program.