Since 2021, the NSW Department of Education has partnered with the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy (NASCA), an Aboriginal-led not-for-profit, to deliver a Girls Academy program for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander secondary students in NSW public schools.
NASCA’s program provides mentoring and support services, collaborating with the community to foster healthy and successful Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young women.
The program aims to empower young women by boosting self-esteem, enhancing future outlook and autonomy, strengthening social and cultural engagement, improving school performance, promoting healthy lifestyles, and reducing risky behaviours.
The program aligns with Closing the Gap Priority Reform 2, which aims to build the Aboriginal Community-Controlled sector in delivering programs and services. As outlined in the Funding Agreement, NASCA will use its best endeavours to achieve the ‘Performance and Outcome Measures’ as listed below:
Increase school attendance
In Semester 2 3023, 26.1% of NASCA female Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students had 90%+ attendance.
Maintain high levels of school retention
86.2% of Year 7 to Year 11 NASCA female Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students were still enrolled at a NSW Government school by the end of 2023.
Support students to complete Year 12 and attain HSC qualifications
This includes assisting enrolled students to connect with academic and wellbeing support: 77.5% of NASCA Year 12 female Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students attained their HSC in 2023.
Provide mentoring and coaching for students
Enhances positive attitudes within students and improves their wellbeing.
Actively engage students to develop life skills
To build their self-esteem and confidence.
Post school planning for Year 9 to Year 12
Assist with the development of post school planning for students through strategies including matching students to relevant work experience opportunities such as traineeships, apprenticeships, cadetships and/or other further educational or training options.
Co-operation
Work co-operatively with participating schools and school executive, parents of enrolled students and local communities.
NASCA and NASA Space Camp – Inspiring Young Aboriginal Women in STEM
In October 2024, five young Aboriginal women from NSW Public Schools – Melville High, Narromine High, Kingswood High, Chifley Senior Campus, and Tempe High – embarked on an inspiring journey to NASA’s Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. This experience offered these students hands-on aerospace activities, including the use of the 1/6th gravity chair, which simulates moon gravity, bringing them closer to their dreams of working in space exploration.
The week-long program, organised through NASCA’s partnership with the Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy, encourages young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women to explore careers in STEM.
NASCA 1 I never really thought that I would have the opportunity to do anything space related in a science field because of our location, I mean we really only have the Big Dish, and so going to America, going to NASA Space Camp, really opens up a door I never thought I had.
Stacey, program participant
This initiative not only emphasises the importance of female representation in STEM but also builds critical leadership skills. It offers these young women a platform to represent their schools, Cultures, and Country, fostering confidence as they consider future careers in science and engineering.
As Aboriginal people, we’re the first astronomers. So to be able to connect to the space side of things and keep that part of our culture alive and showcase our culture over in America, I think it’s amazing.
Hayley Astill, NASCA deputy program director