Next generation of women in STEM graduate from HunterWiSE Schools Outreach Program
Media statement
Newcastle, Australia
One hundred and fifteen students have celebrated their graduation from the Hunter Women in STEM Network’s HunterWiSE Schools Outreach program, an initiative that provides opportunities for female high school students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Developed by seven female academics at the University of Newcastle, HunterWiSE aims to drive interest, increase participation and improve the perception of STEM careers among young women, and operates in partnership with Glencore Coal and other industry sponsors.
The outreach program also facilitates opportunities for students to meet women participating in the STEM-skilled workforce through networking events and initiatives in the Hunter region.
Since its inception in 2017, the Schools Outreach program has supported more than 350 students in a 10-week STEM innovation competition. Fostering teamwork, innovative thinking and creativity, students are tasked with developing a STEM-based solution to a local challenge with guidance from mentors, volunteers and industry partners.
As part of the 2022 program, Year 8 participants from Singleton High School and Muswellbrook High School visited Glencore’s United Wambo Joint Venture Open Cut coal mine to tour the operation and see STEM careers in action.
Having supported the program since 2017, Glencore has contributed to inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders to consider what a career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics could look like for them.
HunterWiSE Co-founder, Professor Anna Giacomini said:
“The Schools Outreach Program is an opportunity for young girls to engage in hands-on STEM activities and appreciate the variety of pathways available to them following a STEM career. We are very grateful to Glencore and the other industry sponsors for supporting our initiative and so passionately engaging with us at every step of the program.”
Glencore Coal’s Community Relations Officer, Tracey Snedden, said:
“We’re proud to be part of the HunterWiSE program, an initiative that is promoting, nurturing and leading the way for women and girls to take up and sustain careers in STEM.
“It’s exciting for us to be able to show passionate and motivated young women what we do at Glencore and the exciting STEM career opportunities that exist in the Hunter region.”
For further information, please contact:
Allyn Hamonet
m: +61 418 228 075
e: Allyn Hamonet
Elise Pfeiffer
m: +61 456 215 045
e: Elise Pfeiffer
Notes for editors
About Glencore Australia
In Australia, Glencore produces coal, copper, cobalt, nickel, zinc, lead, silver and gold from 25 mining operations. We also operate metals processing assets in Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, including metals smelters, concentrators and refineries.
We are among Australia’s largest producers and marketers of natural resources, connecting Australian resources with industrial customers around the world. Through our diverse portfolio, we responsibly supply the resources that advance everyday life.
We employ 17,350 people in Australia and in 2021 contributed $14 billion to the regional, state and national economies. This included spend of $9.2 billion with 8,630 businesses across the country, as well as $2.9 billion in government tax and royalty payments.
We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace for our people, to respecting the environment, to engaging openly and constructively with the Traditional Owners on whose lands we operate and to bringing value to local communities.
Glencore recognises our responsibility to contribute to the global effort to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. Our ambition is to be a net zero total emissions company by 2050. In August 2021 we increased our medium-term emission reduction target to a 50% reduction by 2035 and introduced a new short-term target of a 15% reduction by 2026.
Learn more about Glencore Australia.