What is the Local School STEM Fund?
Snowy Hydro is dedicated to fostering learning opportunities and career pathways for local young people with a focus science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
We deliver on this promise through our Snowy STEM Academy, partnering with regional schools and investing in local STEM education.
Schools in the Snowy Monaro, Snowy Valleys, Towong and Cessnock local government areas can apply for up to $10,000 of funding to bring real-life STEM application to the classroom and beyond.
Application for the Snowy Hydro Local School STEM Fund have now closed.
Notification of outcome: by Monday 29 April 2024
Overview
Through our inaugural Local School STEM Fund, we have provided a total funding amount of approximately $160,000 to 18 schools in 10 locations, benefiting more than 2,200 local students now and in the future.
“This program has encouraged students of all ages and genders to become enthusiastic about coding and robotics and consider how these skills can support them in their future. It also has positively impacted student wellbeing, providing a space for kids to explore and flourish.”
— Chrissy Graham, library and STEM teacher at Cooma North Public School
What initiatives have we supported?
There have been a varied range of supported initiatives, including but not limited to:
• aquaponics project (to assist students with the understanding of sustainability relating to food and water resources)
• 3D printers
• a First Nations Science Camp where both ancient knowledge and modern technology were combined – this camp extended invitations out to another six surrounding schools and to the Clontarf Foundation (therefore a much farther reach than just the awarded school)
• upgrades to equipment in science classrooms
• development of a robotics club (where students can build on their STEM skills and have the opportunity to submit to robotic competitions)
• enhancement of resources to develop critical thinking
• building school programs and clubs to strengthen student competence and confidence in programming and construction projects
• sustainable garden project
• build a township project (where students will research, design and plan a town).
Which schools have we supported?
Funding has been allocated to primary (75%) and secondary schools (25%) within a mix of public (56%) and private schools (44%).
FAQs
Schools can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to support STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) initiatives and projects.
Applications have opened on 26 February 2024.
Local schools with projects, events or initiatives related to STEM education.
Eligible schools must be located within the Snowy Monaro, Snowy Valleys, Towong or Cessnock local government areas.
•Private individual or private business activities or recurrent expenses (example: rent, utilities, wages for a business or organisation)
• Funding for council-owned assets or infrastructure
•Applications not aligned with Snowy Hydro’s values or which have direct links to tobacco, illegal drugs, negative impacts on health, or are associated with risk-taking activities
• Requests for retrospective activities or to cover costs associated with making an application
To apply, applicants must complete the online application form. Please answer all questions in full and provide all supporting documentation.
Applications must be submitted by the closing date.
To maintain a consistent and transparent assessment process, all eligible applications will be assessed and rated against
Snowy Hydro’s selection criteria. Refer to Local School STEM Fund guidelines for more details.
Our Education team welcomes any questions to assist with the application process. To contact our Education team, please email: snowystemacademy@snowyhydro.com.au