New school guide offers hundreds of programmes for young innovators

School students in Durack will have unprecedented access to more than 250 entrepreneurial, science, digital technology, engineering and mathematics programmes with the release of a new guide.

SPI (STEM Programme Index) 2016 is effectively a one-stop catalogue of innovative initiatives provided by business, universities, government and non-government agencies.

The workshops, competitions and a range of other activities – delivered in-class, online, after school or during holidays – cater to today’s evolving student schedules and learning practices.
“Many of the jobs of the future do not yet exist,” Ms Price said.

“While on the one hand that may sound a little scary, it’s also a time of tremendous excitement and opportunity.

“We owe it to our young people, the future drivers of prosperity, to embed the skills they need not just to survive but to thrive in our transitioning economy.

“That means a cultural shift to embracing innovation and entrepreneurialism from early childhood to high school and positioning our classrooms at the cutting edge of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).”

Ms Price said SPI 2016 was compiled by the Australian Industry Group and the Office of the Chief Scientist, as part of the STEM Skills Partnerships programme.

Ms Price said copies of the guide would soon be distributed to local schools.

“It’s an invaluable kick-starter, bringing together hundreds of inventive programmes from agencies and organisations with a flair and passion for innovation,” Ms Price said.

“I urge all local principals and school leaders to get involved in these great opportunities as we prepare, encourage and motivate our students of today to be the innovators of tomorrow.”
SPI 2016 can be downloaded at chiefscientist.gov.au