The Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy (YIWSA)

The Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy (STEM Academy) is an innovative, community-driven initiative transforming how Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young women engage with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Grounded in Indigenous knowledges, cultural authority and relational leadership, the STEM Academy creates culturally safe pathways where identity, culture and aspiration are central to success.

The STEM Academy has grown beyond an education program to become a nationally significant Indigenous-led model for STEM participation, workforce development and future talent pipeline creation. Through mentoring, youth-led governance, national networking and partnerships across education, research and industry, it supports young Indigenous women to achieve their dreams while enhancing their confidence, skills and connections to become future researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, decision-makers and leaders in STEM.

As Australia responds to increasing demand for a highly skilled STEM workforce, the STEM Academy demonstrates how Indigenous-led, culturally safe infrastructure delivers measurable outcomes for individuals, communities and the nation. Its sustained pipeline approach is creating lasting systems change by challenging deficit narratives, strengthening representation and ensuring Indigenous young women are leading Australia's future. Through its work, the STEM Academy is not only expanding opportunities in STEM but reshaping the system itself, supporting a generation of Indigenous women to lead across communities and industries, whilst helping shape the future of STEM in Australia and around the world.