Academies of STEM Excellence (ASE)
The ASE gives regional students STEM enrichment, partnership and real-world learning opportunities.
About the academies
They are part of the STEM Industry School Partnerships (SISP) program, which is an initiative of STEM Enrichment.
The academies support STEM teaching and learning in rural, regional and remote NSW communities.
The academies focus on local delivery and regional collaboration. They:
- offer professional learning and mentoring for teachers
- build teacher confidence and capability in STEM
- design and support the delivery of STEM programs
- organise student activities, events and real-world STEM experiences
- connect schools with industry, universities and community partners
- connects classroom learning with real-world applications
- help students to explore STEM pathways and future careers.
This work improves student engagement, achievement and interest in STEM.
How the academies work
Each academy uses a hub-and-spoke model. A host school works with primary and secondary schools in the region.
STEM Project Officers coordinate the academies. They work with schools and partners to deliver programs that meet local needs.
Together, the academies form regional communities of practice. They support collaboration, share expertise and strengthen STEM education.
Academy locations
Academies of STEM Excellence are located across NSW.
Central West Academy of STEM Excellence
- Location: Lithgow
- Project officer: Emma Francis
- Contact: emma.francis24@det.nsw.edu.au
Coastal Academy of STEM Excellence
- Location: Kingscliff
- Project officer/s: Liz Edwards (Primary), Mark Wiggins (Secondary)
- Contact: clcase@det.nsw.edu.au
Crookwell Academy of STEM Excellence
- Location: Crookwell
- Project officer: Anna Kemp
- Contact: Anna.kemp1@det.nsw.edu.au
Hastings Academy of STEM Excellence
- Location: Port Macquarie
- Project Officer: Ryland O'Connell
- Contact: Ryland.occonnell3@det.nsw.edu.au
Hunter Academy of STEM Excellence
- Location: Maitland
- Project officer: Shane Dryden
- Contact: Shane.dryden1@det.nsw.edu.au
Illawarra Academy of STEM Excellence
- Location: Wollongong
- Project officer: Russ Taunton
- Contact: Russell.taunton@det.nsw.edu.au
Lower Baaka Academy of STEM Excellence
- Location: Coomealla
- Project officer: Ellen Macdonald
- Contact: Ellen.Macdonald5@det.nsw.edu.au
Murrumbidgee Academy of STEM Excellence
- Location: Griffith
- Project officer: Ian Preston
- Contact: ian.preston@det.nsw.edu.au
Newcastle Academy of STEM Excellence
- Location: Newcastle
- Project officer: Ben Moore
- Contact: ben.moore30@det.nsw.edu.au
Newcastle University STEM Academy
- Location: Newcastle
- Project Officer: To be confirmed
New England Academy of STEM Excellence
- Location: Armidale
- Project officer: Tobie White
- Contact: TOBIE.WHITE4@det.nsw.edu.au
Rivers Academy of STEM Excellence
- Location: Lismore
- Project officer: Zane van den Berg
- Contact: rase@det.nsw.edu.au
More information
Find out how to get involved.
Schools and teachers
To find opportunities in your region, contact your local Academy of STEM Excellence.
Industry and university partners
Partner with local schools to deliver authentic STEM experiences and support future workforce pathways. To explore partnership opportunities, contact your local Academy of STEM Excellence.
General enquiries
For more information about the SISP program, email stem@det.nsw.edu.au.