Government funding announcement

STEM head start for 350,000 pre-schoolers

The Turnbull Government is equipping Australian children with the skills in maths and science for the jobs of tomorrow through a $14 million investment as part of the National Innovation and Science Agenda.

Today we announced $4 million each for the Little Scientists and Let’s Count training programs to inspire Australia’s next Howard Florey or Elizabeth Blackburn.

The nature of work is changing. Around 75 percent of the fastest-growing industries require skills in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). The Turnbull Government is committed to helping Australia’s youngest minds develop an interest in these critical fields. 

Both programs provide young students with a new way of engaging with STEM subjects which will help to underpin Australia’s competitiveness in the future.

The Little Scientists and Let’s Count programs will reach 350,000 young people across the country.

From seeing how to purify water to exploring and talking about numbers, these initiatives will five children access to fun and engaging ways to learn.

The $8 million for Little Scientists and Let’s Count builds on the $6 million the Turnbull Government has committed for the development of apps to engage children in STEM in their early years.

Media Release by Minister Simon Birmingham, Minister for Education and Training [pdf].