Woman coding on computer. Source : Pexels
The Australian government has announced millions in grants aimed at supporting more women in STEM fields.
The government have announced $15.9 million in grants would be going towards 17 projects for STEM fields.
The grants are under the Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship (WiSE) grant program, and seek to expand projects increasing awareness of STEM education.
These grants will also go towards projects that improve opportunities for women to build necessary skills to succeed in STEM fields.
Minister for industry and Science Ed Husic said the current administration under Anthony Albanese is committed to increasing the presence of women in STEM fields as a career.
“We want to make sure that more women find lasting, rewarding, and successful careers in STEM fields, regardless of their background.” Mr Husic said.
“Our focus is on supporting opportunity for Australians from all corners of the community into rewarding STEM careers.
“The WiSE grants focus on projects that remove systemic and cultural barriers for women in STEM education, careers, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
“The grants program supports projects that increase the number of women in senior leadership and decision-making positions in government, research organisations, industry, and business.” He said.
$10 million has already been delivered to 54 projects throughout the first three rounds of the WiSE program, which has made a significant impact on the number of women in STEM fields throughout Australia.
With this round, $940,000 has been allocated to the GMIC Geelong Manufacturing Council.
The University of Melbourne have been given $998,000 to place 113 women that are in STEM postgraduate studies into internships within the industry.
The University of Western Australia have been given $879,000 towards the training of 200 female teachers with the aim of having those teachers take on teaching 11–15-year-old girls quantum computing.
Food Futures Company have been given $975,000 to scale projects that seek to increase Indigenous women’s participation in the agrifood industry.
RBG Enterprises have been given $999,000 to expand its School of Code program.
Indigenous Entrepreneur Network have been given $951,000 towards culturally-appropriate coaching and training for Indigenous women and girls.
