Program eligibility
The Academy is open to young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Island women living in Australia. Intakes are dependent on scheduled year cohorts, but we highly encourage potential applicants to email the Academy outside of these schedules, as the program may adapt to new locations and ages depending on demand, year on year.
Eligibility requirements:
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander female or female identifying.
- In Year 9 or above from 2024 onwards.
- Passing English, Maths and Science.
- Registered for school or homeschooling in their Australian state or territory.
- Demonstrated interest in STEM subjects and topics.
- Young women registered for school, boarding school or homeschooling.
- An expressed interest in STEM, and eagerness to enrol in STEM subjects as applicable.
Program outcomes
The Academy was developed to help increase the number of Indigenous women into Australia’s STEM industries. At CSIRO, we know that a diverse workforce leads to diversity in research and thinking, helping to solve the world’s greatest challenges. Studying STEM can lead to many opportunities, with three in every four jobs of the future requiring STEM skills. Participation in the Academy can lead to increased confidence, skills and a nurtured pathway into a STEM career.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are Australia’s first scientists, engineers, mathematicians and technologists and this knowledge allowed us to thrive in Australia for over 60,000 years. The Academy supports young Indigenous women to succeed in STEM areas by promoting the knowledges and voices of First Nations people and providing a holistic program that focuses on strengths and opportunities for participants.