Deadline: 30 June 2017
Applications are open for Maker Projects, an element of the Inspiring Australia – Science Engagement Programme, seeking to support the establishment of maker spaces in schools and the delivery of industry-partnered STEM events and activities to young people in their communities.
The objective of Maker Projects is to encourage practical skills, creativity and entrepreneurial thinking through the development of maker spaces and activities in schools and communities.
Objectives
Maker Projects aims to foster creativity and inquiry based learning in Australian schools and communities through the establishment of:
- maker spaces in schools where students can apply their STEM knowledge, develop entrepreneurial skills, and gain experience in working with emerging and advancing technologies (Stream A)
- STEM-related events and education activities delivered in partnership with industry for youth under 18 years of age. These will build capability and leverage off the skills gained by organisations who have previously participated in delivering innovation, entrepreneurship and enterprise focused education activities for young people (Stream B).
- The objective of Maker Projects is to encourage practical skills, creativity and entrepreneurial thinking through the development of maker spaces and activities in schools and communities.
Funding information
- $800,000 ($200,000 per year) from 2016-17 to 2019-20 to deliver STEM and innovation related events and education activities in partnership with industry for youth under 18 years of age.
- The minimum grant is $5,000 and the maximum grant is $20,000 per eligible organisation.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be one of the following:
- an entity incorporated in Australia
- an incorporated not for profit organisation
- a Publicly Funded Research Organisation (as defined in the Programme Guidelines). Applicants must be the lead applicant in a joint application with at least one industry project partner.
The lead applicant organisation must also:
- provide confirmation that the project is supported, and that you can complete the project and meet the costs of the project not covered by grant funding
- provide confirmation that an employee has previously attended, delivered, created or organised an innovation, entrepreneurship or enterprise education programme for young people (such as the Questacon Smart Skills Invention Convention).
One is not eligible to apply if s/he is:
- an individual, partnership or trust (however, an incorporated trustee may apply on behalf of a trust)
- a government or non-government primary or secondary school.
To be eligible a project must deliver STEM-related workshops and events:
- that target youth under 18 years of age
- where participants can work with technical experts, inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs to gain practical knowledge and skills in design, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship
- that encourage participation of youth under 18 years of age from towns and communities across the region and
- that include local industry partners and other organisations from the region.
To be eligible a project must also include:
- identification of an appropriate venue to hold the workshops
- identification of at least one employee with appropriate skills/experience and drive to be the project lead
- involvement of industry partner organisations, mentors or sponsorships
- a project plan which includes the roles of the partner organisations
- a plan for how the wider region or community will be encouraged to participate and
- a minimum of $10,000 in eligible expenditure.
One can only spend grant funds on eligible expenditure.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can download the online application form via the given website.
Eligible Country: Australia
For more information, please visit Maker Projects Stream B – Science Engagement Programme.