Up to $20,000 is available from Maker Projects Stream B to support the delivery of industry-partnered STEM events and activities to young people in their communities.
Maker Projects Stream B
Maker Projects Stream B is an element of the Inspiring Australia – Science Engagement Programme. It offers grants to support the the delivery of industry-partnered STEM events and activities to young people in their communities.
Maker Projects aims to foster creativity and inquiry based learning in Australian schools and communities through the establishment of:
- maker spaces in schools where students can apply their STEM knowledge, develop entrepreneurial skills, and gain experience in working with emerging and advancing technologies (Stream A)
- STEM-related events and education activities delivered in partnership with industry for youth under 18 years of age. These will build capability and leverage off the skills gained by organisations who have previously participated in delivering innovation, entrepreneurship and enterprise focused education activities for young people (Stream B).
Background
The Maker Projects element was announced as part of the Inspiring All Australians in Digital Literacy and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) element of the National Innovation and Science Agenda (NISA). The Australian Government will provide ongoing funding of:
- $800,000 per year to support the establishment of maker spaces in Australian primary and secondary schools (Stream A).
- $200,000 per year to encourage participation in STEM and innovation related events and activities by youth under 18 years of age (Stream B).
The Programme Delegate may re-allocate funding between Stream A and Stream B based on funding demand.
The Minister or Programme Delegate may set targeted funding for a specific year that will focus on a particular theme, group or sector.
Objectives
The objective of the Maker Projects is to encourage practical skills, creativity and entrepreneurial thinking through the development of maker spaces and activities in schools and communities. This is with the view to reaching as many students as possible, including those in regional and disadvantaged areas.
In meeting its objective, the Maker Projects will:
- allow students to gain practical knowledge and skills in design, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship
- encourage students to pursue STEM disciplines in their study and work.
The intended outcomes are to:
- encourage experimentation and tinkering amongst young people
- encourage young people to ‘make’ and engage with a range of technologies
- ensure maker spaces and maker projects are accessible to young people, including those in regional locations
- encourage teachers to gain professional development in STEM to benefit students.
Funding
- $200,000 per year to deliver STEM and innovation related events and education activities in partnership with industry for youth under 18 years of age.
- The minimum grant is $5,000 and the maximum grant is $20,000 per eligible organisation.
Eligible Projects
To be eligible your project must deliver STEM-related workshops and events:
- for the benefit of youth under 18 years of age
- that include at least one industry project partner that is an entity incorporated in Australia
- where participants can work with technical experts, inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs to gain practical knowledge and skills in design, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.
To be eligible your project must also include:
- a project plan which includes the roles of the project partner/s
- identification of an appropriate venue to hold the workshops
- identification of at least one employee with appropriate skills/experience and drive to be the project lead
- a plan for how youth under 18 years of age from the wider region or community will be encouraged to participate and
- a minimum of $10,000 in eligible expenditure.
You can only spend grant funds on eligible expenditure.
Eligible Applicants
To be eligible to apply under Maker Projects Stream B you must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be one of the following entities:
- an entity incorporated in Australia
- an incorporated not for profit organisation
- a publicly funded research organisation (PFRO)
To be eligible to apply under Maker Projects Stream B you must also:
- provide confirmation from your governing board (chief executive officer or equivalent if there is no board) that:
- the project is supported, and that you can complete the project and meet the costs of the project not covered by grant funding
- the event/s are not part of the applicant’s normal business activities.
Timing
Applications open on an ongoing basis.
More Information
- Source
- Guidelines
