News

SNOWY HYDRO BOOSTS STEM EDUCATION IN 27 LOCAL SCHOOLS

04/06/2024

In 2024, thousands of students across 27 schools will benefit from Snowy Hydro’s Local School STEM Fund program. In its second year, the targeted funding is providing a substantial $220,265.83 across 18 locations in the Snowy Mountains and Cessnock regions of New South Wales.

As part of Snowy Hydro’s ongoing commitment to education, we are supporting a diverse range of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) initiatives in local schools.

Successful funding applications in 2024 include STEM-focused projects such as micro-bit and Smart City Kits, coding kits, a Solar Buddies program, plastics recycling initiatives, STEM excursions, VEX robotics clubs, equipment for race car design, STEM camps and excellence programs.

This year, responding to the resounding success of the 2023 program, Snowy Hydro is extending its STEM funding support to include schools in the Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA) near where our Hunter Power Project is located.

With this expansion, we now provide opportunities to schools within Towong, Snowy Valleys, Snowy Monaro, and Cessnock LGAs. This broader reach recognises Snowy Hydro’s commitment to fostering a strong STEM education environment, which is essential for preparing students for future careers in technology, engineering, and renewable energy.

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said the Local School STEM Fund provides opportunities for students to engage in real-world problem-solving that may otherwise not be possible in regional schools.

“We know the more opportunities we can provide for students to experience the hands-on application and diversity of STEM, the more they will appreciate the value of studying the relevant subjects,” Dennis said. “We want to encourage young people to pursue rewarding and fulfilling STEM careers.”

While only in its second year, the Local School STEM Fund has already encouraged collaboration among eligible schools, expanded individual initiatives, and developed local competitions. Snowy Hydro looks forward to fostering further growth and engagement in STEM-related fields, ensuring students have the skills and experiences necessary for their future success.

The next round of the Local School STEM Fund will open in early 2025.

For more information about Snowy Hydro’s Local School STEM Fund, visit https://www.snowyhydro.com.au/local-school-stem-fund/

Click here to read the Snowy Hydro’s Local School STEM Fund 2024 report.

News

SNOWY HYDRO STEM FUNDING FOR LOCAL SCHOOLS NOW AVAILABLE

19/02/2024

Following the success of the inaugural Snowy Hydro Local School STEM Fund in 2023, the funding program focused on science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) excursions will run again in 2024. Snowy Hydro will extend the opportunity for Snowy Mountains and Cessnock schools to apply for grants of up to $10,000.

Recognising that today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce, Snowy Hydro plays a pivotal role in supporting teachers and students by aligning educational programs with industry expertise.

Last year these grants provided thousands of students and 18 Snowy Mountains schools – primary and secondary, both public and private – hands-on interactive STEM experiences.

The program is part of Snowy Hydro’s ongoing commitment to local regions, which already supports various STEM initiatives, including a First Nations Science Camp, the development of a robotics club, 3D printers, an aquaponics project and the enhancement of school resources for the next generation of innovators.

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said: “Snowy is dedicated to fostering education opportunities in and out of the classroom and assisting in developing career pathways.
“The funding is just one example of Snowy Hydro’s ongoing commitment to education and development in support of STEM, particularly among our local communities.”

The funding program complements Snowy’s successful Snowy STEM Academy, the annual Science of the Snowy Scheme Competition, and the unique tailored programs for local schools.

Applications for the 2024 Local School STEM fund open Monday 26 February and must be lodged by Monday 25 March.

Local schools can apply for funding of up to $10,000 to support science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) related excursions, student sponsorship, equipment, and camps.

All applications must be completed online via the Snowy Hydro website.

For more information about Snowy Hydro’s Local School STEM fund and to apply visit: https://www.snowyhydro.com.au/local-school-stem-fund-2024/

News

STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM SNOWY HYDRO LOCAL SCHOOL STEM FUND

26/06/2023

Hundreds of students across 18 Snowy Mountains schools will benefit from Snowy Hydro’s inaugural Local School STEM Fund program. The 2023 funding has been allocated to both primary and secondary from public and private schools to provide students with hands-on interactive experiences, challenging their creativity and critical thinking.

Through the program, Snowy Hydro has supported a varied range of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) initiatives, including an aquaponics project, 3D printers, a First Nations Science Camp, upgrades to equipment in science classrooms, development of a robotics club, enhancement of resources, the establishment and expansion of school programs and clubs, and the launch of various projects such as a sustainable garden and a township design.

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said the collaboration with local schools will encourage and promote problem-solving skills for students, both in and out of the classroom and assist their career pathways.

“The funding is just one example of Snowy Hydro’s ongoing commitment to education and development in support of STEM, particularly among our local communities,” Dennis said.

The real-world application of STEM allows students to interact with the subject material and develop a diverse range of skill sets. By seeing the outcomes of STEM throughout their lives and assessing the outcomes for themselves, their schools, community and surrounding environments, a unique and engaging learning space is created.

Dennis said he was proud to announce the Local School STEM fund was “supporting schools in 10 locations, providing approximately $160,000 of funding to contribute to the growth of local students.”

The outcomes of the funded initiatives will assist students with the understanding of sustainability, combine ancient knowledge and modern technology, build on existing STEM skills, develop critical thinking, strengthen student confidence and promote the balance of research and design.

To further engagement and involvement with education, Snowy Hydro is committed to continuing this beneficial program. The next round of applications will open in February 2024.

For more information about Snowy Hydro’s Local School STEM Fund visit:

https://www.snowyhydro.com.au/local-school-stem-fund-2/