We are looking for STEM professionals to inspire Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary school students by hosting three day work placements for these students.
The Aboriginal Summer School for Excellence in Technology and Science program (ASSETS) in conjunction with CSIRO’s Scientists and Mathematicians in Schools program (SMiS) are working together to provide ASSETS students with an opportunity to further explore their options in STEM fields.
ASSETS students are high achieving, motivated students from across Australia who have participated in a nine day residential summer school where they worked with academic providers across various fields and conducted their own group inquiry projects. These enthusiastic, competent, year 11 and 12 students are seeking three day work placement opportunities with STEM professionals to gain further experience in STEM fields to complement their senior school studies.
ASSETS work placements
STEM professionals will host students for three days during school holidays, providing supervision and support. The work placement will be an immersive experience where students have the opportunity to contribute to a project or develop a STEM technique whilst getting a sense of the work environment. Work placements are an opportunity for STEM professionals to share their passion and knowledge, and in the process, promote students’ understandings about the broad range of STEM related careers available to them.
Your involvement
We will aim to match students with STEM professionals in their local area. Once matched with a student you will be notified by email and asked to enter into a partnership with the student’s supporting teacher. We will then organise for you to:
- complete a working with children check and
- participate in a training webinar focussing on issues related to working with minors and cultural awareness when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
You will then:
- plan an immersive experience for the student allowing them to contribute to a project or develop a skill or technique during their placement
- supervise and mentor the student during their work placement
At the conclusion of the work placement you will be asked to complete a brief report providing feedback on the placement itself as well as the processes and procedures involved and whether you would like to continue being involved in the ASSETS program.
Register online
If you’d like to participate and make a difference, register at http://www.scientistsinschools.edu.au/. Please ensure that you reference ‘ASSETS work placements’ when asked about your preferred style of partnership.
For further information contact Jen Parsons from Scientists and Mathematicians in Schools on 07 3833 5561 or sis.sqld@csiro.au