Student support for STEM pathways

YOUNG women from thirteen local schools convened at Ballarat Tech School last week as part of the first term of the 2023 Girls in STEM program.

The initiative, which aims to showcase pathways for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, took place throughout Tuesday and Wednesday.

Kirstyn Hall, the program’s coordinator said it was their most successful delivery yet.

“We’ve got this year 60 girls which is the biggest group we’ve had through,” she said. “We also have an extra six in our new leadership program and they’re handpicked from last year.

“Girls’ representation in STEM fields across the country is very, very low. There is definitely a need for this program.

“This is about putting those opportunities in front of those young women and encouraging them to take them.

“Our new leadership program was offered to students from last year who really showed enthusiasm and put their hand up for everything.

“It’s giving them an additional look at the program and showing them more opportunities while encouraging the girls we’ve got today. It’s peers helping peers.”

The Girls in STEM program runs once a term with the same student groups participating during the year.

Upcoming events will feature Bartlett Manufacturing as well as sessions with space and drone industry representatives.

The program was launched with an afternoon tea with STEM leaders like IBM’s Amitee Goulton and Sharee McDonald from Federation University.

With Mars Wrigley partnering for this term, students were put into teams and tasked with solving a production line issue at the local chocolate factory.

The winning group received an invitation to tour the Malteser section of the Mars Wrigley production plant.

Year 9 Ballarat Grammar student Eleanor was one of the program’s six student leaders and said it gave her an added insight into the initiative.

“It’s been lots of fun and a great opportunity to connect with others. It’s also giving me another perspective of the program in helping others to do it,” she said.

“I haven’t decided what pathway I’m going to take but this program has shown me that there so many opportunities for me to go with.”