Creating Confidence in STEM for Girls

With the support of industry partners and donors, HunterWiSE is expanding access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) for girls in high schools across the region. The program is designed to help young women step into STEM with confidence – taking their ideas, skills and ambition to the next level through real projects, mentors and industry connections.

^{📷 Students from Dungog High School, Kallie (left) and Zali (right), work with their HunterWiSE mentor, Sarah on their award-winning biogas prototype, designed to support greener transport in their community.}

Founded in 2017 by seven female academics from the University of Newcastle, HunterWiSE represents a range of disciplines including engineering, chemistry, IT, computer science, psychological sciences, construction management and STEM education. The program has empowered more than 900 young women from 23 schools to see themselves in STEM and feel that they belong. During that time, more than 170 mentoring opportunities have also been made available for University of Newcastle students.

“By connecting classroom learning with industry environments and mentors, students can see how their ideas and skills translate into real-world impact. That experience can be transformative – it helps young women recognise the opportunities available to them through STEM,” says Leah Kiem, HunterWiSE Manager.

Community support signals that there is a shared commitment to building a more diverse and inclusive STEM workforce. We are now beginning to see that belief come full circle, as some of the earliest participants in our programs complete their university studies and begin their careers in STEM. By the end of 2026, more than 1,000 students will have completed the HunterWiSE program. With the backing of our industry partners and donors, we have been able to maintain a presence in regional areas such as the Upper Hunter and Dungog, while also reaching students who may not otherwise have had access to these learning opportunities.”

Leah Kiem
HunterWiSE Manager
School of Engineering

HunterWiSE in Action

An example of the program in action is an inspiring project developed by three students from Dungog High School – Zali, Kallie and Ellie – that addresses a local problem with a creative solution. Their project, the ‘Biogas Digester’, converts green waste into energy that could help power public transport in their community. Their idea tackles two local challenges: the lack of regular green-waste collection and limited public transport options in regional areas.

Mentored by Bachelor of Science student Sarah Kattau, who grew up in a regional community herself, the team went beyond theory to build a working prototype of their idea, winning the Outstanding Poster Award for their efforts. Their project demonstrates how we can all benefit from a future that encourages young innovators to use STEM to solve community issues.

If you would like to find a community program to support that aligns with your values, please contact our team on 02 4921 8612 or visit newcastle.edu.au/donate.

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Contact

• Office of Philanthropy
• Phone: 02 4921 8612
• Email: donor-relations@newcastle.edu.au