Blog icon

About the program

'Adult Future Shapers' recognises those who support young people in Years 5-10 to strengthen their confidence, capability and connection with Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths (STEM).

Five Adult Future Shapers are selected annually to design their own prize to enhance their skills or to help young people develop theirs.

We prioritise opportunities for those who help young people from underrepresented groups in STEM.

Adult Future Shapers is one part of the broader STEM Together program, which is powered by CSIRO and BHP Foundation.

Learn more about STEM Together

The opportunity

Adult Future Shapers can access individualised success plans, tailored virtual events and networking opportunities. They can also choose a prize to help them, or their community take their interest in STEM further.

This prize can include:

  • A tailored resource package (of equipment, technology, books etc); OR
  • An experience (i.e. attending a conference or professional development opportunity in Australia or support running a STEM event).

Program eligibility

Adult Future Shapers include, but are not limited to, educators, Elders, parents, STEM professionals or other community members who help young people to build STEM skills.

Applicants should be over 18 and support young people in Years 5 to 10 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.

Adult Future Shapers do not need to personally identify as being from these groups.

Applying for Adult Future Shapers is a self-nomination process. If you know someone that would make a great Future Shaper, let them know they can apply.

CSIRO, BHP Foundation and BHP employees and members of their immediate families are not eligible to apply for Adult Future Shapers.

How to apply

Applications will open again for the Adult Future Shaper program in late 2025.

News stories

Contact us

Have a question we haven't answered on our site? Fill in our contact form and we'll get back to you promptly.