Senator Jana Stewart
Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba
Labor Senator for Victoria

The Hon Ed Husic MP
Minister for Industry and Science

The Albanese Government is backing Australian science and giving young Victorians the opportunity to engage in hands-on STEM creativity and learning.  

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic has launched Round 3 of the Maker Projects Community STEM Engagement programs which provides total funding of $1 million per year over two years.  

Grants of between $20,000 and $100,000 are now available to organisations across the country to deliver STEM projects through collaborative partnerships with entities such as libraries, schools, and non-for-profit bodies. 

 The projects mean young people can apply existing STEM knowledge to engage in a range of technologies and unique events across the country.  

Previous rounds of the Maker Projects grants have supported students and young people who are historically underrepresented in STEM education and careers, including girls, regional and remote students, and students with a disability. 

Applications are open until Wednesday 14 August 2024, and more information on the Maker Projects grants is available at http://business.gov.au/makers2024  

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon Ed Husic: 

“Inspiring young Australians to engage in STEM learning is what these grants are all about. 

“Young people who live in the regions, the outback and the outer suburbs should have the same opportunity as kids from the city to engage in a wide range of STEM learning tools. 

“We will need more and more young Australians to pursue STEM skills and qualifications, so they’re equipped to enter the global tech-based economy.” 

Quotes attributable to Senator for Victoria, Jana Stewart: 

“Growing up in a regional area, I didn’t have the same opportunities as those from our big cities.  

“Thanks to the Maker Project grants program, organisations and businesses can now deliver practical STEM programs for more Australian youth and students where they live. 

“By inspiring Victorian students with the opportunity to work hand-on with STEM tech and tools, Australia will benefit from a more capable and diverse workforce in the years to come.”