Penrith’s next generation showcase STEM solutions to local challenges

Wednesday, 10 November 2021

Tomorrow CSIRO and Penrith City Council are hosting a Virtual Project Showcase for local high school students to reveal the results of their exciting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) inquiry projects, recently completed as part of the Generation STEM, STEM Community Partnership Program (STEM CPP).

A collaboration between CSIRO and Penrith City Council, the program connects students with local industry mentors to inspire them into STEM pathways and showcase exciting career opportunities in the region, highlighting the jobs of the future.

The STEM CPP is an education program designed to empower Year 9 and 10 students with STEM skills to support the demands of current and emerging local industry, connecting teachers and students with STEM businesses, and increasing student engagement in related subjects.

Students benefit from exposure to real-world applications of STEM and heightened awareness of local career pathways. Local industry also gains early access to the STEM-skilled workforce of the future.

As part of the program, students undertook inquiry projects to address local challenges and develop innovative STEM solutions to community issues, including challenges around water, heat stress, transport and the Aerotropolis.

Council’s General Manager, Warwick Winn, said the students are to be commended for their ability to persevere during a pandemic, undertaking exciting research and pushing on, despite their own challenges of working remotely so that they can grow their STEM skills.

“Council is pleased to hear the participating students from six local high schools have remained committed to their projects and we thank their teachers and industry mentors for supporting the students on this journey,” Mr Winn said.

“The uptake of the STEM CPP locally is proof that our City is home to some of the next generation’s thought leaders and Council is excited to see where this will lead students in their bright futures.”

The Showcase is a great opportunity for students to present the results of their inquiry projects and engage in conversation with the community through a question-and-answer session.

To find out more about the successful CSIRO Generation STEM program visit www.csiro.au/GenerationSTEM.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Wednesday, 10 November 2021.