Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres today congratulated local teacher Ms Asishna Honess, from Penrith High School, who has been awarded a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) education scholarship.
Mr Ayres said 73 recipients across the state, such as Ms Honess, will retrain as specialist science or maths teachers and benefit from a $5,000 study grant, study leave and a guaranteed permanent teaching position upon completion.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals have committed to prepare students for future jobs in the state’s fastest-growing occupations,” Mr Ayres said.
“STEM is on the radar internationally as the key to unlocking innovation potential. It’s a critical pathway to securing Australia’s future.
“Over the next four years, 320 public school teachers will have the opportunity to retrain as specialists in maths and science. Increasing the number of trained teachers will provide students with access to quality teaching in critical areas.”
The scholarships are part of the NSW Government’s focus on STEM studies, where students are encouraged to pursue STEM subjects. This includes:
· High achieving students with access to tertiary courses and mentoring opportunities with businesses and universities; and
· Upgrades to 50 science labs in public schools across NSW.
“The STEM initiative will assist students across NSW to develop fundamental skills in mathematics and science and help them navigate the rapidly-changing 21st century,” Mr Ayres said.
