Over 300 students from 34 Catholic schools across SA have attended a breakfast celebrating Women in STEM, supported by Optus.
Catholic Education South Australia partnered with the communications giant to host the event for students, industry and educators on September 20, designed to provide girls with role models who currently work in STEM occupations.
The inaugural event held at the Adelaide Convention Centre provided an opportunity for young women attending Catholic schools to hear from accomplished women who work in STEM industries, encouraging girls to pursue a career in STEM. Research shows when young girls can see themselves ‘reflected in the role’ they are more likely to pursue a career in that field. The impact of female STEM role models is vital to bridge the gap between girls’ studying STEM subjects and engaging in STEM careers beyond school.
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills are promoted by the Australian Government as pivotal for Australia’s economic prosperity and meeting future workforce requirements. New research highlights the importance of creating opportunities for young women to see themselves in STEM related careers. Women are less likely to enrol in STEM courses, with less than one in eight women who began university within the latest research cohort enrolling in a STEM field. The research also found out of those women who enrolled, even though they outperformed their peers in STEM subjects at university, they were less likely to transition into STEM careers with only one in four transitioning into a STEM career.
Optus is committed to encouraging young women into STEM-related industries as the CEO, Kelly Bayer Rosmarin also has a passion for empowering young women, especially in STEM industries.
Seow Yoke Kong, Vice President of IT, Optus said that Optus is committed to promoting female representation in STEM.
“These students are our future, and there is no better opportunity than this to give future female leaders and pioneers an inside look into a career in STEM. Adelaide is a city known for its innovation, so we would like to nurture the potential of its talent and kickstart the journey for these young women.”
Young people aged 17 to 24 can now enrol at a unique new Catholic school opening next year in the northern suburbs.
Excitement is building at Davoren Park, as Compass Catholic Community achieved significant milestones in the past month, with enrolments for 2022 opening, construction now well underway, and branding released.
Principal Kelly Bunyon said the response to Compass so far has been “overwhelmingly positive”.
