Empowering the Future: HunterWiSE Women in STEM Scholarship?

HunterWiSE has launched their Women in STEM Scholarship to provide support to a female student in their first year of a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics at the University of Newcastle . Funded through philanthropic donations from community and industry, this initiative aims to encourage women to embark on a STEM career while alleviating some of the financial burden of study.?

The $5,000 HunterWiSE Women in STEM Scholarship will be awarded annually to an eligible student in an undergraduate degree where women are significantly underrepresented. This year, the scholarship was awarded to Ms Irene Thomas. Having completed Year 12 in India in 2022, Irene chose to pursue her interests in science, mathematics and aviation by enrolling in the Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering. Irene chose the University of Newcastle for its reputation and proximity to her home on the Central Coast.?

"Receiving the HunterWiSE Women in STEM Scholarship is a welcome financial boost. Studying full-time and commuting is a huge commitment. This scholarship empowers me to focus on my studies, pursue subjects that really interest me, and progress towards a career in engineering,” said Ms Thomas.??

The scholarship aligns with the HunterWiSE aim to support the participation of women and girls in STEM. Since its inception in 2017, HunterWiSE has achieved this through two interlinked actions: a targeted high school intervention program for Year 8 students (currently running in 11 local high schools), and networking events for women in STEM in Newcastle and the Hunter region. The HunterWiSE Women in STEM Scholarship provides an additional opportunity to encourage gender diversity in STEM, providing both financial assistance and access to a professional community that encourages women to pursue their passions via challenging, rewarding career pathways.?

"Through HunterWiSE, we aim to positively influence the perception of STEM careers among young women as both rewarding and accessible. We know that diversity drives progress, and this scholarship recognises the valuable contribution that students like Irene bring to STEM disciplines. We hope this scholarship may encourage more women to pursue a degree in STEM, leading to even greater opportunities for innovation," said HunterWiSE co-founder Professor Sarah Johnson .?

HunterWiSE initiatives are made possible through the support of industry partners and the commitment of the HunterWiSE network community. The Women in STEM scholarship fund is sustained through philanthropic donations, underscoring industry support for a more diverse, inclusive and dynamic STEM landscape.?

HunterWiSE is supported by the University of Newcastle’s College of Engineering, Science and Environment, as well as the following industry partners: Glencore Australia , BHP , Hunter Water , GHD , Bradken , Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG) , Transport for NSW , Ampcontrol , Lake Macquarie City Council , Quarry Mining and Construction Equipment PTY LTD , Impervium Solutions, 嘉科工程 , Port of Newcastle , 艾奕康 and Tomago Aluminium .?