Six Mallee students have been selected to participate in a unique coaching program for the next generation of female STEM leaders.

The four-day online Curious Minds Summer Program kicked off for West Australian students on 5 December and commences for East Coast students on 12 December and is supported by a mentoring program and follow-up winter camp.

Member for Mallee, Anne Webster, congratulated the students on being one of 111 Year 9 and 10 girls selected nationwide as part of the Curious Minds program, supported by the Australian Government. Students selected for the program include:

• Chaffey Secondary College, Shaqayeq Razaie
• Chaffey Secondary College, Shelby Chamberlain
• Chaffey Secondary College, name not provided
• Red Cliffs Secondary College, Kira Harkin
• Irymple Secondary College, Maya Tonzing
• Donald High School, Hayley Cumming

“We know that many future jobs will require maths and science skills. This program will give talented students a flying start into a possible career in one of these fields,” Dr Webster said.

“I’m sure that they will be outstanding ambassadors for Mallee.”

The program is delivered by the Australian Mathematics Trust and features a summer camp, followed by six months of coaching, and concludes with a winter camp.

This year’s summer camp, which will be held online due to COVID-19, will run from 12 – 15 December.

Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education Bridget McKenzie said the program was an innovative way of engaging young women in fields in which they have been typically underrepresented. said the program was an innovative way of engaging young women in fields in which they have been typically underrepresented.

“Many of the jobs of the future will require STEM skills, and we want to make sure girls are not just able to succeed in a career in STEM but excel as leaders in their field,” Minister McKenzie said.

“The participants will benefit from the expertise and mentorship of 94 STEM coaches and will also be encouraged to build lasting friendships with like minded students.”

Since 2014, the Australian Government has provided more than $4 million for the program, supporting the participation of more than 400 girls.