The Curious Minds program is for young Australian women who will be enrolled in an Australian school for year 8, 9 or 10 in the year of the program. The program goes for 8 months and starts with Summer Camp, held in December, in either Canberra or Adelaide.

• ‘East Camp’ is held in Canberra for students from ACT, NSW, VIC and TAS, in December.
• ‘West Camp’ is held in Adelaide for students from SA, WA, NT and QLD, in December.

During Summer Camp, students take a deep dive into STEM subjects, including biology, chemistry, digital technology, engineering, Earth and environmental science, maths, and physics. Students, along with STEM experts, explore these subjects and their interconnectedness through a series of action-packed STEM workshops and activities.

It’s also an opportunity for students to meet their STEM Coaches, with whom they will undertake six month STEM Coaching program. STEM Coaches are professional females working in the STEM industry, who receive training and support to undertake this volunteer mentoring role. Students are partnered with a STEM coach, selected across a range of STEM fields. Learn more about becoming a STEM Coach.

Together, students and STEM coaches work to construct, action and report on personal goals, such as discussing education and career opportunities in STEM. Students also undertake a student-focused STEM project with guidance and support from their coach.

Throughout the program, students are encouraged to participate in online Connect Events, a chance to catch up, learn and engage. These events feature guest lectures, interactive sessions and activities, and networking.

In July of the following year we all unite for Winter Camp, an online camp that involves 5 days of stimulating science, technology, engineering and mathematics sessions and workshops, fun activities and games, interesting hands-on practicals, inspiring talks, and time to catch up with Curious Minds friends.  Students share the results of their STEM project during the Winter Camp as a 3-minute presentation in front of their peers and STEM Coaches.

Curious Minds is an initiative of the Department of Education and is jointly delivered by The Australian Maths Trust and Australian Science Innovations. Thank you to our university partners, the University of Adelaide and the Australian National University.

Applications are closed for the 2024-25 Curious Minds program.