Step into STEM NT Mentor Program

Developing the Territory’s STEM Future

Step into STEM was founded by two of our very own Territory STEM businesswomen, Sarah Davis and Fiona Evans, and uses real-life, practical STEM challenges and technology developed right here in the Territory by Dr Carla Eisemberg and Linda Luck of Charles Darwin University. Step into STEM aims to address the current low STEM degree enrolment rates seen for the Northern Territory by engaging middle and high school students at the ‘critical’ years when students are making pivotal decisions about subject selection and subsequent tertiary study. The program is aimed at engaging all Year 9 - 11 students, but with a particular focus on providing increased visibility of STEM female role models in the Territory.

Engaging our Young People

Step into STEM focuses on preventing leakage in the Territory STEM talent pipeline in the earliest stages during middle and high school by providing access to mentors who can advise on the pragmatic questions that often prove the most difficult for school students:

  • What subjects should I be looking to take next year if I want to get into a STEM degree?

  • What are the alternate pathways to STEM if I can’t get the ATAR I need?

  • I never pictured myself in STEM – will there be people like me at university?

The program connects middle and high school students to current STEM university students via a sustainability-focused STEM challenge over the school term to forge ongoing mentorship relationships and provide practical academic and career advice - from one young person to another. At the end of the challenge, students come together with their mentors at Charles Darwin University to present their findings and recommendations as scientists to their peers, university academics and industry, hear about the exciting STEM work occurring in the Territory and take part in a fun day of STEM activities and celebrations to excite them about their future in STEM!

How can I get involved?

We have already commenced the Step into STEM program for Term 4, 2021 but would love to hear from your school if you are interested in participating in the Step into STEM program in 2022 – all Darwin and surrounding regional and remote high schools are eligible. Likewise, if you are a current STEM university student or young professional interested in becoming a mentor in 2022, get in touch – we’d love to hear from you! Contact us at stepintostemnt@gmail.com.

Step into STEM partners: