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BAE Systems Australia is expected to announce today that it has partnered with specialist Australian education technology company Lumination to develop a STEM outreach program for Years 4 – 6 students.
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Dubbed “Beacon”, students enrolled across 15 schools in South Australia, NSW and Western Australia will be given access to cutting-edge technologies and encouraged to solve real-world problems.
The program is targeted to support students in lower socio-economic regions, who may not typically have access to STEM programs.
Beacon has been designed to be delivered across two teaching options, including a five-day intensive camp or 10-week program.
Students will gain insight into virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, robotics and 3D modelling, and how they apply to real world scenarios.
“STEM studies encourage problem solving and innovation and I’m very proud to support an initiative that brings contemporary technology into the classroom to both inspire students and support teachers,” Ben Hudson, chief executive officer of BAE Systems Australia, said.
“At a time when the number of STEM students across Australia is falling, industry needs to step up to inspire more students to remain in STEM subjects so they might consider an exciting career solving some of the world’s biggest challenges. Our goal with this program is to promote diversity and inclusion in STEM on a national scale, to keep students engaged in their education and raise awareness of future career opportunities.
“I’m delighted that our partnership with Lumination will also open the door to students who might not otherwise be aware of the enormous opportunities for highly skilled, well-paid careers from a STEM-focused education.”
With almost 60 per cent of BAE Systems Australia’s workforce in STEM roles, a motivated STEM workforce is essential for delivering capability to the Australian Defence Force.
“Beacon engages primary aged students with emerging technology, giving them new skills to take back to the classroom and inspiring them for a future career in STEM,” Rebecca Bendikov, head of education at Lumination, said.
“We’re passionate about supporting students to solve real-world problems around sustainability. The content links directly to the curriculum and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals specifically around land, air and sea.
“Students in years 4 - 6 are introduced to a new world of imagination and creativity by our expert education leaders. We’re delighted to partner with BAE Systems to inspire students to learn about the application of immersive technology while also developing skills related to inclusivity, honesty, innovative thinking, teamwork, boldness and goal setting.”
[Related: Saab Australia, BAE Systems Australia launch cyber resilience framework]
