Introduction

The STEM Enrichment program is an initiative of the New South Wales Department of Education. This program enhances STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education by fostering collaboration with leading Australian universities, government agencies, and industry partners.

Aligned with the National STEM School Education StrategyExternal link, and the NSW Plan for Public Education, the program aims to:

• enhance teacher confidence in delivering STEM education, and
• engage students, inspiring them to pursue STEM pathways, and equip them for future STEM careers.

Initiatives

The STEM Enrichment program offers a variety of initiatives, which are divided into two categories: state-based initiatives and school-based projects. School-based projects operate under the STEM Industry School Partnerships (SISP)External link program, while state-based initiatives are managed directly under the STEM Enrichment program.

School-based SISP projects include:

• Academies of STEM Excellence: Located in NSW regional centres and delivered by STEM Project Officers.
• NSW Virtual STEM Academy: Delivered virtually through regional studios.

State-based STEM Enrichment projects include:

• Partnerships and equity: Fostering diversity, inclusion, and excellence through strategic collaborations and partnerships with industry leaders to provide world-class STEM enrichment opportunities.
• Curriculum resources: Creation and publication of K–12 STEM teaching resources and teacher guides including the NSW Department of Education iSTEM department approved elective course material.
• Professional learning: Design and delivery of teacher professional learning on technology, pedagogy and curriculum knowledge in STEM domains.