The UNSW Future You program aims to get kids from all backgrounds excited about STEM careers in Australia.
The Optiver Foundation has awarded a $2.7 million grant to UNSW Sydney to support the University's 'Future You' program.
UNSW's Future You is designed to get kids aged eight to twelve excited about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects and inspire them to explore future career possibilities. It includes a range of free resources for teachers, parents, and kids that revolve around STEM themes to make it easy for everyone to get involved and learn about STEM in a fun and engaging way.
The three-year grant from the Optiver Foundation will enable the 'Future You' program to expand its reach and impact by creating new resources and connecting with more people.
"We want to inspire young minds to discover the exciting world of STEM and explore the endless opportunities it offers," said UNSW Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith, an astrophysicist and former Australian Ambassador for Women in STEM.
"Our goal is to show students that anyone, regardless of their background, can thrive in STEM. It's about fostering inclusivity and empowering all children to pursue their passions and realise their potential."
Charles Lui, Chairman of the Optiver Foundation, added: "As a Foundation with a key focus on reducing inequality in STEM education outcomes, we are excited by the scalability, purpose and focus of the Future You initiative and its potential impact on education equality for Australian students. In the lead-up to International Women's Day, we're particularly motivated by the program's long-term potential to see more women take up STEM careers."
With practical activities aligned to the Australian curriculum, teachers can use the Future You resources in their lessons to make learning experiences socially relevant.
UNSW Dean of Science, Scientia Professor Sven Rogge, said that the Future You program is already changing the way people think about STEM careers.
"This generous support from the Optiver Foundation will allow Future You to make significant strides in breaking down barriers and fostering greater diversity in STEM. At a time when Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts are coming under pressure internationally, initiatives like this are more important than ever. By inspiring a new generation of problem-solvers from all backgrounds, we are not only shaping future innovators but also contributing to a more inclusive, equitable workforce," Prof. Rogge said.
Making STEM Exciting and Inclusive
Future You, led by Professor Lisa Williams from UNSW's School of Psychology, currently features two streams, including Pathfinders (featuring diverse STEM role models) and Imagining the Future fiction (promoting STEM interest through storytelling).
Liz Edwards, teacher at Bogangar Public School on the Tweed Coast NSW and STEM Project Officer for the Coastal Academy of STEM Excellence, said the Pathfinder videos created an initial spark of interest in her students which then led to more investigation for some.
"I realised most students didn't know that STEM careers could be so diverse and interesting," Mrs Edwards said.
"Most students think of STEM jobs and careers as 'super smart' people in lab coats and something out of their reach. The program has put STEM careers in a real context of jobs that involve problem solving and innovation across many areas that they are familiar with."
Pathfinders showcases diverse STEM professionals through films and written synopses, aiming to challenge stereotypes and highlight career pathways.
The Imagining the Future fiction series features five space-themed short stories to engage primary school-aged children in STEM.
Both programs offer a broad range of educational resources, including classroom activities and career information sheets tailored to different age groups.
"My students have particularly enjoyed the Far-Out story recording. Anything to do with space captures the attention of all ages and genders," Mrs Edwards said.
Empowering the Next Generation of STEM Leaders
By raising greater awareness of diverse STEM career paths, the program can increase STEM interest and, ultimately, participation among cohorts historically underrepresented in the sector: girls, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those with disabilities, students from regional, remote and Indigenous communities, and those from low socioeconomic communities.
With this funding, the program has promised to deliver long-term impact, including improved social equity, enhanced problem-solving capacity, and a reduction in STEM skill shortages.
The 'Future You' program aligns with Optiver Foundation's focus on enhancing diversity through STEM education. The program's emphasis on inclusion, innovation, and global reach directly supports the Foundation's mission to create equal opportunities in STEM.
The donor is Optiver Foundation, the corporate philanthropic arm for Optiver, an international trading and financial services company with its Asia Pacific headquarters located in Sydney. They are new donors to UNSW.
