Curious Mind Program

A hands-on extension and mentoring program to ignite girls’ passion in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

In a fun and supportive environment, the girls will grow in confidence and ability whilst expanding their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and their scientific networks.

Curious Minds is aimed at highly capable girls in Years 9 and 10 who have an interest in STEM learning areas.

It’s a six month program that combines two residential camps and a mentoring program, for year 9 and 10 girls who are interested in STEM.

They will make new friends, be exposed to outstanding role models, practise new skills, and deepen their understanding of what their future may hold in the fields of science, engineering, technology and maths.

What is involved?

Two residential camps enable the girls to explore all aspects of science, technology, engineering and maths through guest lectures, interactive sessions, practicals and field trips. In 2020/21, both camps will be delivered virtually.

The coaching program sees each student matched with a female coach recruited from a variety of STEM backgrounds. Together they construct personal goals for the student. This might include discussing study options and career pathways, undertaking further extension work with support from their mentor, developing ideas based on learnings from the camp or working on a project.

When is it held?

Students are required to commit to both residential camps, and to having a phone or video call with their coach every three weeks between camps.

How to participate in the Curious Minds program

Curious Minds is an invitational program. Students are invited based on their performance in the Australian Mathematics Competition, Computational and Algorithmic Thinking competition and the Big Science Competition.

The program will be particularly targeted towards girls in underrepresented STEM subjects in years 9 and 10 who are disadvantaged, rural/remote and/or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Cost

Participants will be asked to contribute $200 for the six-month program.

For STEM Coaches (Mentors)

The STEM coaching program will see each student matched with a female STEM coach based on STEM area of interest and, where possible, geographical location. STEM coaches will spend six months in regular contact with one or two students and work through an array of career, study and skill-building topics.

Who is behind Curious Minds?

Curious Minds is jointly administered by the Australian Mathematics Trust and Australian Science Innovations.

The Curious Minds initiative is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment.

Curious Minds is supported by the Australian National University.