The Federal Government has launched an $11 million grant opportunity to raise awareness of Defence industry career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The Schools Pathways Program: Open Competitive Grant Opportunity is valued at over $11 million across two financial years (2024-25 and 2025-26).
Eligible organisations will be able to apply for funding of between $150,000 and $2,000,000 to deliver activities under the program.
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, the Hon Pat Conroy MP, said the government remains committed to developing the defence industry workforce needed for a future made in Australia.
“The launch of this grant opportunity is yet another example of delivering on the Defence Industry Development Strategy, supporting a resilient, competitive and innovative Australian sovereign defence industrial base, and a future Defence industry workforce to support our national security,” said Conroy.
It also supports professional development opportunities for teachers and empowers parents and carers to support their child’s pursuit of a highly rewarding STEM career.
This grant opportunity is in addition to $5.1 million already invested through the Schools Pathways Program intergovernmental agreements with South Australia and Western Australia over financial years 2023-24 and 2025-26.
“The Schools Pathway program is a great example of how the Government is accelerating investment in a robust and highly skilled workforce, which will allow us to meet the needs of our Defence industry partners now and into the future,” said Conroy.
Further information on the grant opportunity, including guidelines, can be found at https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/schools-pathways-program.
The program will be open for applications in early September 2024.