Science and Technology Australia (STA) has released data on the impacts of its Superstars of STEM initative.
The program aims to eliminate gender stereotypes and increase women’s representation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
STA has appointed 150 talented women from diverse backgrounds to the program over the past 5 years. The Superstars include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women of colour, LGBTQI+ women, and women from underrepresented disciplines like engineering and information technology (IT).
The incredible cohort is working hard to increase women’s visibility in STEM. They’ve been out and about – on TV, on radio, in the news online, on social media and in classrooms.
In the past 6 months alone the Superstars have reached:
- more than 93 million people through traditional media
- 2.2 million people through social media.
Importantly, they also serve as role models for girls and young women, showcasing different pathways to exciting STEM careers. Since the initiative began in 2017, the Superstars have:
- engaged with more than 33,000 kids
- visited 237 schools to inspire the next generation of women in STEM
- earned over 6,100 media mentions.
On top of this, the program is delivering development opportunities to the Superstars themselves:
- 80% reported an increase in their media skills
- 73% said their leadership performance has improved
- 89% think the program has improved how others perceive them.