From coding and robotics to biodiversity and bushfire regeneration, Blue Mountains students are learning new skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), thanks to a partnership between Council and Australia's national science agency, CSIRO.
Launched in the Blue Mountains in 2022, CSIRO's STEM Community Partnerships Program (STEM CPP) aims to attract, support, and retain NSW students in STEM careers and study pathways.
The program provides Year 7-10 students with an opportunity to engage in STEM inquiry-based projects to address local real-world STEM challenges.
There are several ways to get involved, ranging from site visits to work experience and mentoring students and teachers.
This year Mountains Christian College have been active participants in the STEM Community Partnerships Program. Students are creating STEM-based solutions for bushfire regeneration and challenges with biodiversity in the Blue Mountains area.
Students have had the opportunity to visit local industry sites and connect with industry professionals. They will present their solutions to the wider Blue Mountains community at the annual end-of-year showcase, to be held in November.
Mayor Cr Mark Greenhill said: "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.
"The program is providing opportunities for students to develop their STEM skills in a meaningful and engaging way, by giving them the chance to address real-world STEM challenges. I look forward to seeing the work of our local students at the upcoming end-or-year showcase."
The STEM CPP, part of Generation STEM, is managed by Australia's national science agency, CSIRO and made possible by the NSW Government's $25 million endowment to the Science and Industry Endowment Fund (SIEF). It is a 10-year initiative to attract, support, and retain NSW students in STEM.
More information about the program can be found at www.csiro.au/en/education/Programs/Generation-STEM
