Leaders of tomorrow to learn invaluable skills through STEM program

Thursday, 17 June 2021

Students from schools across the City have the chance to solve real-world challenges and gain vital skills for the future through an exciting program that Penrith City Council is proud to support.

Council is a partner of the CSIRO’s STEM Community Partnership Program (STEM CPP), which sees Year 9 and 10 students participate in engaging Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) inquiry-based projects.

The STEM CPP is part of Generation STEM, a $25 million NSW Government commitment to fund a 10-year delivery of the program, currently being offered in Western Sydney, in a bid to upskill the state’s students and create pathways for STEM jobs.

This year, 10 local schools have signed up and each will be connected with local businesses through site visits, careers events and work experience opportunities.

Local STEM professionals will also mentor teachers as they bring real-world STEM experiences and knowledge to the classroom.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said the STEM CPP is a fantastic initiative.

“Council is proud to be part of this great program which connects students with industry professionals who will inspire and equip young minds with the tools they need to thrive in their future careers,” Cr McKeown said.

“Our partnership came about as a result of the Mayoral Skills Summit we held in 2019, when business leaders, the training sector, schools and the government convened to discuss employment challenges and opportunities and explore ways to bring jobs closer to home.

“This program is the perfect way to prepare our youth, the leaders of tomorrow, as they gain hands on experience and skills that will serve them well in their STEM-focused careers.

“Well done to the 10 schools from our City who have registered for the program – we look forward to seeing the results of your hard work at the end-of-year event.”

Principal Brenda Quayle from Erskine Park High School said the school was “very excited” about working on the STEM CPP.

“This is an amazing opportunity for our students to develop strategic partnerships with the CSIRO and Penrith City Council, developing the skills to be active and engaged citizens into the future,” she said.

Students will come together on Thursday 11 November to showcase their solutions to the real-world challenge projects they have worked on as part of the curriculum-aligned program.

For more information about Generation STEM or to get involved, please visit https://www.csiro.au/GenerationSTEM.

*Taken from Western Sydney City Deal / Aerotropolis materials

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Thursday, 17 June 2021.