The Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) has been successful in receiving $100,000 in funding from the Toyota Community Trust STEM grant to deliver the Teacher Professional Learning industry project. To deliver the project, AMSI is partnering with the Australian Centre for Career Education (ACCE).
This project aims to grow the number of students, including those from under-represent education groups, studying mathematics in Year 11/12 of secondary school and in tertiary STEM courses.
The project will bring together mathematics teachers and careers advisors with tertiary educators and industry, to inform them on the growing employer demand for mathematically capable graduates, the industry roles that require mathematical skills, and the appropriate study pathways to enter the mathematical sciences workforce.
The project will provide an Industry teacher Tour for mathematics teachers, career advisors and VET coordinators and include online resource development that will broaden the impact of the project to schools in regional and rural Australia, low SES regions and those supporting First Nations students.
AMSI Director, Professor Tim Marchant, said the funding will enable AMSI and ACCE to grow the mathematical sciences workforce as Australia’s prosperity relies on a strong supply of mathematically capable graduates.
“AMSI is pleased to receive this funding from the Toyota Community Trust. We want to build capacity in mathematics secondary school teachers and careers advisors to inspire students about the exciting mathematical sciences and broader STEM career opportunities available in the future workforce,” said Professor Marchant.
ACCE’s CEO, Penne Dawe, said that teachers and career practitioners are vital influencers of their students and can positively impact their skills and education pathway choices.
“Understanding the link between their STEM studies and industry opportunities helps young people to connect more to their learning while increasing their knowledge of the world of work.”
The project is set to commence on 1 September 2023 until the end of 2024.
