Local high school students are taking exciting steps towards careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics after participating in the 2025 STEM Community Partnerships Program.
For 5 years, Council has partnered with Australia's national science agency CSIRO to deliver this program, which builds skills of the future to benefit our City and its people.
The program connects students with industry experts who encourage them to think innovatively, providing hands-on experience inside and out of the classroom. Students research real-world challenges faced by their community. We had 130 students from 6 schools in the Penrith Local Government Area this year, exploring challenges around transport, heat stress and biodiversity.
With Penrith at the heart of one of the country's fastest-growing regions, there has never been a better time for bright young minds to look at these topics. In previous years, students visited the undeveloped site of the Western Sydney International Airport - today, the terminal and runways are tangible proof of this unprecedented growth and opportunity.
The Sydney Metro rail interchange is also taking shape at St Marys. Students researched how to improve connectivity in and beyond this City, which Council continues to advocate for.
Heat stress is another important issue for the community and our organisation, so it's great to see the next generation consider how they can help to cool Penrith and improve the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors.
This year's cohort presented their results at the program's showcase event this week. I'm always so impressed by the innovation and creativity of these bright minds.
Congratulations to the students and dedicated teachers from Colyton High School, Glenmore Park High School, Jamison High School, Chifley College Dunheved Campus, Kingswood High School and Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School. I also thank CSIRO and the mentors from the various organisations.
As well as working towards solutions for real world issues, your involvement in this program encourages and inspires job diversity in this City, a key priority of our Council.
Learn more at www.csiro.au/generationstem
Cr Todd Carney
Mayor of Penrith
