Over $17.9 million in federal funding has been awarded to 17 projects that support more women to study and build careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The grants were awarded as part of the latest round of Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship (WiSE) program.
WiSE offers grants ranging between $500,000 and $1 million to expand successful projects that have increased awareness of STEM education and improved opportunities for girls or women to build skills and succeed in STEM careers.
The grant program focuses on supporting projects that remove systematic and cultural barriers for women in STEM education, careers, innovation, and entrepreneurship, said Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic.
“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,” Husic said.
Selected projects for the latest round of the grant program include GMIC Geelong Manufacturing Council, which will receive $954,000 to support the partnership between the Women in Manufacturing Network and VET institutions and industry.
Funding of $998,000 will go towards the University of Melbourne to place 113 women STEM postgraduate students into industry internships.
Meanwhile, the University of Western Australia will receive $879,000 to train over 200 women teachers, who will then teach quantum computing to 11 to 15-year-old girls.
Code Like a Girl is slated to receive $880,000 to expand its School of Code program with an expanded course program and internship placement.
The first three rounds of the WiSE program have provided $10 million for 54 projects.
Minister Husic said the Albanese government is committed to supporting more women into STEM careers.
“We want to make sure that more women find lasting, rewarding and successful careers in STEM fields, regardless of their background,” the minister said.
“Our focus is on supporting opportunity for Australians from all corners of the community into rewarding STEM careers.
