STEM Spotlight is a STEM mentorship program specifically targeting high school students from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds who are currently a signicantly under-represented group in STEM careers. The program was established to inspire the students to pursue STEM subjects through inspirational High school lectures delivered by STEM professionals with a CALD background. Hearing ...
She Shines Memorial Association Australia
STEM mentorship program for CALD students

GOAL
$15,000
Field of Interest
- Community and economic development
- Education/training and employment
Target Population
- Asylum seekers, refugees, migrants and people from CALD backgrounds
- Young people (6-25)

She Shines is a not for profit charity dedicated to improving the education of girls in Australia and in rural villages in Kenya. We are seeking funding to support our Australian project that provides STEM mentorship for girls from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds who remain a signficantly underepresented group in STEM. The program is run by STEM professionals from CALD backgrounds who inspire students through one on one mentorship, high school guest lectures and industry placements for students.
Project Summary
STEM Spotlight is a STEM mentorship program specifically targeting high school students from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds who are currently a signicantly under-represented group in STEM careers. The program was established to inspire the students to pursue STEM subjects through inspirational High school lectures delivered by STEM professionals with a CALD background. Hearing from STEM mentors with a CALD background empowers students to pursue their own ambitions and overcome any doubts they may have about their abilities.
When students see someone with a shared identity who is succeeding in STEM, it inspires them to believe they too can pursue similar careers. Our pilot program identified that lack of role models that students can identify with is the biggest barrier to pursuing STEM subjects and careers by students with a CALD background. The STEM professionals inspire students by sharing their STEM journey and by making themselves available for a one on one conversation with interested students. We pair students with a STEM professional of their choice for one on one mentorship and finally we invite students for a tour of the STEM labs at academic institutions such as the university of Queensland to provide them an opportunity to participate in STEM activities on campus.
This grant will assist us to expand our community services to regional QLD.
Project Outcomes
The STEM spotlight mentorship program will play a crucial role in empowering students from culturally diverse backgrounds by addressing the unique challenges they may be facing in pursuing careers and education in STEM fields. Some of the ways in which STEM mentorship aims to empower students from diverse backgrounds in regional QLD such as Cairns include:
- Provide a supportive environment where students can receive encouragement and positive reinforcement. This boost in confidence can help them overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome, empowering them to pursue their goals in STEM.
- By sharing their own STEM journey, mentors will challenge and break down gender stereotypes that discourage CALD students from entering STEM fields.
- Students from CALD backgrounds may face unique obstacles due to cultural, societal, or economic factors. Mentors will offer personalised guidance and support to help navigate these challenges and provide practical advice for success.
- Students from CALD backgrounds may feel isolated. Mentorship creates a sense of belonging by connecting mentees with others who have similar experiences and providing a safe space to discuss challenges openly.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $150,000
FUNDING
Funding source | Amount |
---|---|
Scanlon Foundation (confirmed) | $50,000 |
Scanlon Foundation (unconfirmed) | $30,000 |
Maker projects (unconfirmed) | $70,000 |
Funding gap (unconfirmed) | $15,000 |
EXPENSES
Expense item | Amount |
---|---|
In school mentorship (Brisbane) | $50,000 |
One-on-one mentorship | $30,000 |
Visiting academic institutions | $30,000 |
Industry placements | $20,000 |
Regional mentorship | $35,000 |
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