About the program
Twenty-five students will build their confidence, capability and connection with Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) as 'Young Future Shapers'.
They receive personalised support and can choose to meet like-minded kids and experts at a STEM Camp, bring a group on a learning adventure, or create their own prize pack. Future Shapers discover new interests and career ideas and participate in confidence-boosting activities.
The program aims to open the door for those that may not have the same access to learning opportunities and resources as others.
We prioritise opportunities for young people from under-represented groups in STEM. These groups include Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, girls, those from lower opportunity areas or those from regional areas.
Young Future Shapers is delivered by STEM Together in partnership with BHP Foundation.
Narrator: “What are our Young Future Shapers into?
[Image changes to a girl facing the camera with cartoons drawings of a brain, a conical flask and a lizard near her head]
Future Shaper 1: I like to learn new things.
[Image changes to a boy facing the camera while a cartoon drawing of a bulldozer assembling itself and driving offscreen is shown near his head]
Future Shaper 2: Engineering and building things is my go to in STEM.
[Image changes to another girl with a cartoon rendering of an astronaut helmet on her head. Cartoon planets are in front and behind her]
Future Shaper 3: I also like knowing the fact that there’s always more space to discover.
[Image changes to another girl next to a cartoon tree that seems to glow with bioluminescence].
Future Shaper 4: Genetically modified organisms. I find them fascinating.
[The girl disappears and the words “explore more” appear. The video changes to a fully animated style]
Narrator: Tons of ideas. One goal. Explore more.
[The image changes. A cartoon girl with a jetpack flies off screen]
Narrator: Future Shapers gives young people greater access to STEM opportunities.
[The image changes. Cartoon hands meet in a circle, while the words “confidence, capability, connection” float nearby]
Narrator: They’ll build confidence, capability, and connection with STEM, and learn skills for life. They can also
[The image changes. Three cartoon characters open a door that says “STEM camp” light and glitter shine from inside the door]
Narrator: Meet people like them at a STEM camp
[The image changes. A cartoon character drives a small bulldozer robot, while two more characters look on]
Narrator: Go on a local learning adventure
[The image changes. A cartoon student opens a box with ribbon. A microscope, snorkel and fins fly out of the box]
Narrator: “Or design a custom prize pack”
[The image changes. The website address csiro.au/YoungFutureShapers appears, followed by the CSIRO and BHP Foundation logos.]
Narrator: Nominate a young person in years 5-10 today at csiro.au/YoungFutureShapers
Program eligibility
Young Future Shapers is designed for students in Years 5 to 10 (or those that would be if they were in the school system.) Of course, homeschool students are welcome to apply.
We are looking for the curious, for those that build or invent things, or want to make a positive change. If they have a passion, or even a small interest in STEM that we can draw out, then we'd love to hear about them.
We prioritise those who are from at least one of the following underrepresented groups in STEM:
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students
- Girls
- Those from regional schools
- Those from lower opportunity areas.
Immediate family members of CSIRO, BHP or BHP Foundation staff are not eligible to be Young Future Shapers.
Program outcomes
A comparison of pre- and post-program surveys of last year's Young Future Shapers showed:
- 100% of participants increased their STEM knowledge, and enhanced their '21st century skills' like problem solving, teamwork and communication
- 100% increased their level of connection with peers to share their STEM interests with
- 91% intend to use STEM in their careers
- 90% increased their confidence to study or work in a STEM-related career
- 83% increased their desire to study or work in a STEM-related career.
See what our participants had to say:
"My confidence has increased because I noticed that some of the qualities that I have, the scientists also have." – 2024 Young Future Shaper
"My social circle has more than doubled including adults and peers my own age because they have as many interests around STEM as I do!" – 2023 Young Future Shaper
"I am much more interested in a wider variety of STEM areas now since I have been able to visit and speak to people who work in those areas." – 2023 Young Future Shaper
"What a brilliant idea…it actually really makes a big difference…you actually get to touch and see [STEM]… But it's not only that, but you guys also give this opportunity for us parents… it's important for us to understand a little bit of what they want to be." – Parent of 2023 Young Future Shaper who attended Year 5-6 camp