The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) welcomes the Federal Government's measures handed down in the October Budget to support the development of talent and leadership in Australian science and technology.
The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) welcomes the Federal Government's measures handed down in the October Budget to support the development of talent and leadership in Australian science and technology. These commitments build upon the mission to widen the pipeline of talent available to the science and technology sectors.
At its current scale, the NYSF is set to deliver a further 11,000+ people into the STEM workforce over 20 years. A not-for-profit charity, the NYSF is ready to scale operations across all education and training stages to meet Australia's growing science and technology workforce needs.
The NYSF has proven effectiveness and has connected over 14,000 young Australians with their science and technology futures since 1984. 90% of NYSF Year 12 Program participants go on to STEM study, training and careers.
CEO of the NYSF, Dr Melanie Bagg, said that the Federal Budget's focus on science and technology capacity building in Australia will have a large impact on the future pathways of Australia's youth and that their exposure to these real-life STEM careers and the range of pathways into them is vitally important to recruit and retain Australian talent.
"The announcements in the Federal Budget show an investment in Australia's future science and technology workforce and point towards a future of excellence in critical technological areas like quantum technology."
“The NYSF prevents students from disengaging from STEM subjects at an early age and connects older students with diverse STEM study and training options. We are incredibly proud of how we’ve been able to consistently deliver unique and engaging STEM experiences for young Australians which inspire and connect them to science and technology interests, study and careers."
Measures in the Budget to strengthen Australia’s capability to develop critical and emerging technologies ($13.5 million over 4 years) are welcomed. The NYSF's broad national reach, including into some of the most regional and remote areas of Australia, ensures a home-grown pipeline of diverse and talented students into critical areas of science and technology.
Investment to support women in STEM ($5.8 million over 5 years) and an independent review of existing programs will help address the retention of highly qualified women in the STEM sector. NYSF has long promoted equity in STEM and supports and delivers programs to attract and retain a diverse STEM workforce.
Media Contacts catherine@nysf.edu.au 0491 044 104 | melanie.bagg@nysf.edu.au 0439 037 773
About the National Youth Science Forum
The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) is a not-for-profit charity that has been operating since 1984 to provide STEM outreach experiences for young people. The NYSF Year 12 Program is one of Australia’s foremost and best-known STEM experiences for high school students. It is run by youth, for youth, each January for over 39 years, with over 14,000 alumni participating in the program to date. The NYSF maintains deep connections to the community across Australia through our partnership with Rotary Australia; 20 local Rotary Districts and over 1,100 Rotary Clubs across the country work closely with us to promote the program locally, run student selections, and then to run the NYSF Year 12 Program itself.