Port of Newcastle is doing its bit to future-proof our region after announcing its first ever Indigenous STEM Scholarship.
The scholarship program is a $30,000 partnership with the University of newcastle which aims to amplify the Hunter’s capacity to meet future tech-led jobs while also supporting tertiary education pathways for Indigenous students.
Three scholarship is open to Indigenous students who plan to complete a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) related degree at the University of Newcastle and three scholarships, each worth $10,000 will be awarded over the three-year period of the program.
“The Indigenous STEM scholarship has been established to develop and attract the advanced skills that will be needed by the port and local industry in the future,” Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said.
“Importantly, it also aims to inspire and support pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to be a part of this technology-led environment.
“I hope this scholarship will provide an incentive for students to seriously consider a future career in a STEM-related field and choose to be part of the future talent pool for high-skill, high-income, local jobs emerging over the next decade and beyond.”
University of Newcastle’s Director of Indigenous Engagement and Reconciliation Leah Armstrong said the partnership was an exciting pathway leveraging the unique insight of Indigenous students.
“Our connection with the Port of Newcastle evolved as a result of our mutual focus on sustainability and understanding of our environment,” she said.
“As an organisation, the University of Newcastle is committed to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students coming into higher education. Cultural understanding of our land and habitats aligns itself beautifully with this opportunity for our Indigenous students and we look forward to watching them shine.”
Applications are now open and scholarships will be awarded in 2021 based on university enrolment, merit and community involvement.
Interested students should contact the careers advisor at their school or find out more here.
