Local Gold Coast schools and community organisations that encourage practical skills, creativity and entrepreneurial thinking can apply for a grant between $2,000 and $20,000 from the Coalition Government.
Applications for the Coalition Government’s Maker Projects grants will open on Thursday 8 November.
“The Coalition is providing $1 million in grants through the Maker Projects program, supporting the development of science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills among Australia’s youth,” Local MP and Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews said.
“Mathematics and science skills are essential for our economic prosperity and the jobs of the future, and the Coalition is working to encourage more Gold Coast students, particularly girls and young women, to study these subjects.”
“We know that 75 per cent of future jobs will require these skills, and this program introduces young people to STEM, allowing them to learn useful skills that can lead to rewarding careers.”
Mrs Andrews said that the highly sought after grants provide an opportunity for students to apply their STEM knowledge and develop entrepreneurial skills.
“The Maker Projects program introduces young people to STEM in innovative and enjoyable ways, allowing them to learn useful skills that can lead to rewarding careers in the jobs of the future,” Mrs Andrews said.
“It’s grants and programs like this that foster creativity and learning in Gold Coast schools and communities and that’s why I strongly encourage local schools and organisations to put themselves forward.”
Grants are offered through two streams. Stream A is for primary and secondary schools, where they can access grants of between $2,000 to $5,000 to establish maker spaces. While Stream B is for organisations partnering with industry to run STEM-related events and education activities for Australians under 18. Eligible organisations can apply for funding of between $5,000 and $20,000.
Funding for the program comes from the $29.8 million Inspiring Australia science engagement program through the Coalition’s National Innovation and Science Agenda, aimed at harnessing science, research and innovation as long-term drivers of Australia’s economic prosperity, jobs and growth.
Maker Projects grants are highly competitive and applications will be assessed in the order they are received. The round will close once the annual allocation of funding is exhausted.
Applications can be submitted online from Thursday 8 November 2018 at midday (AEDT). For more information about the streams and to apply, go to: Stream A: https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/inspiring-australia-science-engagement/maker-projects and Stream B: https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/inspiring-australia-science-engagement/maker-projects-stream-b