The Turnbull government has announced the second round of the $8 million Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship (WISE) grants program.
Acting minister for industry, innovation and science, Senator Michaelia Cash, has encouraged businesses, not-for-profits, education and research organisations, to apply for grants to inspire more girls and women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) and entrepreneurship.
“It is vital that all Australians are equipped with the skills they need for the jobs of the future but in particular, we need to get more girls and women engaged with STEM in schools, universities, TAFEs and in the workforce,” said Minister Cash.
“The WISE program supports activities to get girls and women interested and involved in STEM education and careers. This includes helping them develop entrepreneurial skills and professional networks, paving the way for more Australian women to start their own businesses and become entrepreneurs.”
The first round of WISE grants, announced in December 2016, saw approximately $4 million awarded to a diverse range of projects, including a new ‘Superstars of STEM’ initiative to raise the profile of Australia’s women in science, technology and engineering.
Minister Cash said eliminating barriers for women’s participation in STEM education and careers was a key aspect of the WISE program.
“As a Government we understand the importance of ensuring our young women have female role models in science and research, entrepreneurship and corporate leadership to look to for inspiration.”
Applications for round two of the WISE program close on 15 November 2017. The successful projects will be announced in early 2018. The Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship program is part of the ‘Inspiring all Australians in Digital Literacy and STEM’ component of the National Innovation and Science Agenda.