Kinetic IT acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work, and tens of thousands of years of knowledge and technology that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples have developed and passed down through each generation. We pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging.
Creating more opportunities for First Nations women wanting a career in technology is the driver behind a new partnership between CSIRO’s Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy and IT solutions provider Kinetic IT.
As the first corporate partner of the Academy’s Western Australian program, Kinetic IT and CSIRO have worked together over the last 12 months to encourage more Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women into science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers.
The Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy (the Academy) is a national program, for female and female-identifying Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students wanting to pursue STEM studies and careers. The Academy is managed by CSIRO in partnership with CareerTrackers and is proudly funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA).
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The Academy supports the young Indigenous women with the tools and resources to empower them to succeed in STEM studies and careers. As well as partnering with the Academy in WA, Kinetic IT’s partnership also provides support for its STEM activities in the Northern Territory.
“STEM is critical for Australia’s future, and through the Academy, we are supporting the next generation of STEM professionals, leaders and game changers,” Kim Dyball, Manager Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy, said. “Thank you Kinetic IT for leading the way by being our first corporate partner in Western Australia, and supporting young Indigenous women to pursue a career in STEM.
“It is critical that the Academy has strong partnerships with leading organisations like Kinetic IT to showcase to the young women what opportunities are available in STEM. Having Kinetic IT attend STEM camps and deliver activities has been fantastic as it provides the young women with strong role models and the opportunity to ask a myriad of questions, which help inform their career choices.”
Kinetic IT’s Senior Manager, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Jessica Todd said supporting the Academy will deliver greater outcomes for First Nations women and Australia’s ICT industry.
“Australia is in real need for a greater number of ICT professionals to serve the rapidly expanding ICT industry. Diversity of perspectives and better representation is going to be critical, and this program is an important part of inspiring and preparing the workforce of the future.
“On behalf of Kinetic IT, we’re humbled to partner with CSIRO to deliver the Academy and look forward to continuing to support the program as it forges pathways into STEM careers for the next generation of young Indigenous women.”
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About the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy
Managed by CSIRO in partnership with CareerTrackers, the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy (the Academy) was funded in 2018 by the National Indigenous Australians Agency. The Academy is part of the $25 million Indigenous Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Fund, announced by the Commonwealth Government as part of the 1967 Referendum – 50th Anniversary Indigenous Education Package.
Young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women are invited to explore STEM in a culturally-safe way whilst gaining a wealth of knowledge to discover future career paths. This program provides participants with cutting-edge opportunities to broaden their knowledge in STEM and develop their skillset, while receiving individualised support.
Students from high school through to various tertiary pathways and university are eligible to participate in the Academy. The Academy is a national program and new regions are coming online every year, so please reach out to yiwsa@csiro.au if you have any questions.
Applications are open to eligible young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander females with a passion and interest for learning and exploring a future pathway in STEM.
Visit the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy website for more details and to apply.
About CSIRO
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, more commonly known as CSIRO, is an Australian Government agency responsible for scientific research. Its purpose as Australia’s national science agency is to solve the nation’s greatest challenges through innovative science and technology, as it has been doing for the past 100 years.
Known for partnering with industry and representative groups, CSIRO is a highly regarded and critical voice across the country and globally. Visit CSIRO’s website for more information.
Find out more about Kinetic IT’s industry and community partnerships.
