Food Futures Company Pty Ltd has received a $250,000 grant to deliver a project in Gilmore that will break down the barriers that prevent girls and women getting into STEM education and careers.
The grant is being delivered through the Australian Government’s Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship (WISE) grants program, which is providing nearly $2 million to boost the representation of women and girls in information technology, engineering, and entrepreneurial subjects.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Christian Porter said a diverse science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) qualified workforce was essential for Australia’s growth and future economy.
“STEM is the key to unlocking our future. From manufacturing to medicines, construction to computing; all of it relies on a cutting edge STEM workforce,” Minister Porter said.
“By increasing participation from women, girls and other underrepresented groups, we are powering up Australia’s ability to stay at the forefront of new discoveries, breakthrough technologies, and global progress.
Senator Molan welcomed the success of Food Futures Company Pty Ltd.
“The funded project will help Indigenous women get a start in the native agricultural food sector. This rapidly growing sector presents significant entrepreneurship and STEM career opportunities through the merger of ancient knowledge with modern science.
“This grant allows girls and women in Gilmore to participate in an important national initiative that aims to increase the participation of women and girls in STEM education and careers,” Senator Molan said.
“Boosting the number of women and girls in STEM has enormous potential to create new job opportunities in Gilmore and is of great importance to the strength of the local economy.”
The WISE program has provided $9.95 million in funding to date for projects across every state and territory. Applications for round four of the program are expected to open in early 2022.
Further information on the WISE grants program and recipients is available at www.business.gov.au/wise.