STEM Industry School Partnerships (SISP) program
The SISP program gives students practical opportunities to develop their STEM skills.
It is part of the NSW Department of Education’s STEM Enrichment program. This initiative connects schools with industry, universities and community organisations.
SISP aligns with:
- National STEM School Education Strategy (2016–2026)
- Plan for NSW Public Education (2024–2027).
Video – STEM Industry School Partnerships (1:23)
[Text on screen: STEM Industry School Partnerships]
[Text on screen: A STEM Enrichment initiative led by the Curriculum Directorate of the NSW Department of Education.]
Student 1
I like STEM because I really love problem solving.
Student 2
STEM is very encouraged at Cessnock High. They make it as if it's fun to learn.
Student 3
We had to figure out what we had to do. It was like a mystery.
[Text on screen: Partnering regional and rural schools with industry and the community]
Student 2
Something that STEM has taught me is that through working together and persisting. You can overcome challenges that you haven't ever solved before.
[Text on screen: Creating new learning opportunities]
Student 1
I think it's really cool when industry come into our school and teaches us about stuff.
Student 2
To be able to have a look at the working lab allows me the ability to see firsthand what I could be doing later in life.
[Text on screen: Engaging, inspiring and developing the STEM workforce of tomorrow]
[Text on screen: STEM Industry School Partnerships]
[On screen: SISP logo. ‘SISP. An initiative of the NSW Department of Education’]
[On screen: NSW Government logo.]
[End of transcript]
About the SISP program
The program supports STEM teachers and students across NSW. It:
- provides STEM learning experiences for students
- connects schools with industry, universities and community partners
- offers professional learning for teachers
- provides engaging experiences for students
- builds teacher confidence and capability
- creates clear pathways to further education, training and STEM careers.
The STEM Enrichment team coordinates the program. The Academies of STEM Excellence and the NSW Virtual STEM Academy deliver the programs.
Academies of STEM Excellence
The Academies of STEM Excellence is a network of 12 regional academies across NSW. They support schools in regional, rural, and remote communities.
Each academy uses a hub-and-spoke model. This helps to build a collaborative learning community.
STEM Project Officers deliver the SISP program at a local level, with primary and secondary schools working together.
NSW Virtual STEM Academy
The NSW Virtual STEM Academy is online program. It gives students throughout NSW access to high-quality STEM learning.
Students connect with industry and university experts through virtual courses, challenges and projects. These activities extend classroom learning and give students access to unique STEM experiences.
Net Zero STEM
Net Zero STEM is a school-based program. It helps schools link the department’s Net Zero and sustainability goals with classroom practice.
It aligns with the department’s Net Zero Road Map, sustainability policies and programs. The program:
- provides curriculum resources aligned to NSW syllabuses and existing units
- connects schools with industry, government and universities leading work in renewable energy, sustainable transport and carbon reduction
- supports teachers with professional learning to integrate Net Zero concepts across the curriculum.
This approach helps students engage with real-world sustainability challenges. It also helps them understand how STEM contributes to achieving Net Zero.
More information
Find out how to get involved.
Schools and teachers
Access STEM enrichment opportunities, connect with partners and bring real-world learning into your classroom.
- To find opportunities in your region, contact your local Academy of STEM Excellence.
- Learn more about NSW Virtual STEM Academy or email NSWVSA@det.nsw.edu.au.
- To learn more about Net Zero STEM, email Christine Freemane at christine.freeman@det.nsw.edu.au.
Industry and university partners
Partner with NSW public schools to deliver authentic STEM experiences and support future career pathways.
- To explore partnership opportunities in your region, contact your local Academy of STEM Excellence.
- To discuss statewide partnership opportunities, email the STEM Enrichment team at stem@det.nsw.edu.au.
General enquiries
For more information about the SISP program, email stem@det.nsw.edu.au.
Last modified date
09/04/2026
Business unit contact email
Executive director
Megan Kelly
Executive director’s business unit
Teaching Learning&Student Wellbeing