The Supporting Young Scientists Equity and Access Program (Program) supports a diverse sector of NSW high school students who wish to further their education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
More about Supporting Young Scientists Equity & Access Program 2026 - Round 1
January 2026
What was approved
Approved for Katoomba High School
The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Year 12 Program gives students that are about to start year 12 a broader understanding of and exposure to, study and career options available in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
$2,500 was approved by
Minister for Innovation, Science and TechnologyDate approved
January 2026Location of the recipient
Katoomba 2780About the grant
Applications approved
10
Applications received
13
Supporting Young Scientists Equity & Access Program 2026 - Round 1
Program term
18/03/2026More about Supporting Young Scientists Equity & Access Program 2026 - Round 1
December 2025
What was approved
Approved for Bowraville Central School (Department of Education)
The STEM Conference for Girls 2026 engages Year 8 female and non-binary students, from disadvantaged, regional Mid North Coast schools in hands-on workshops, speaker panels and an expo, building students confidence and skills in STEM, knowledge of STEM career pathways and connecting them with diverse female STEM role models.
$2,299 was approved by
Minister for Innovation, Science and TechnologyDate approved
December 2025Location of the project
Coffs Harbour 2450Location of the recipient
Bowraville 2449About the grant
Applications approved
10
Applications received
13
Supporting Young Scientists Equity & Access Program 2026 - Round 1
Program term
07/05/2026More about Supporting Young Scientists Equity & Access Program 2026 - Round 1
What was approved
Approved for Figtree High School
The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is an annual international robotics event with a mission “to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators” – building STEM and life skills. Teams of high-school students build 55-kg robots in 6-8 weeks to compete against other teams at high-energy events.
$5,000 was approved by
Minister for Innovation, Science and TechnologyDate approved
December 2025Location of the project
North Wollongong 2500Location of the recipient
Figtree 2525About the grant
Applications approved
10
Applications received
13
Supporting Young Scientists Equity & Access Program 2026 - Round 1
Program term
10/06/2026More about Supporting Young Scientists Equity & Access Program 2026 - Round 1
What was approved
Approved for Hastings Secondary College
Hastings Secondary College’s Hastings Heroes robotics team will compete in the 2026 FIRST Robotics Competition, giving regional students from diverse and low-SES backgrounds access to advanced STEM learning. Students benefit through hands-on engineering, coding, and teamwork, while inspiring younger peers and strengthening community engagement in science and technology.
$10,000 was approved by
Minister for Innovation, Science and TechnologyDate approved
December 2025Location of the project
Port Macquarie 2444Location of the recipient
Port Macquarie 2444About the grant
Applications approved
10
Applications received
13
Supporting Young Scientists Equity & Access Program 2026 - Round 1
Program term
19/03/2026More about Supporting Young Scientists Equity & Access Program 2026 - Round 1
What was approved
Approved for Maam Giingana Gumbaynggirr
We will send two female Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to the STEM Conference for Girls 2026, which engages Year 8 female and non-binary, regional students in hands-on workshops, panels and an expo, building confidence, STEM skills, knowledge of career pathways and connecting students with diverse female role models.
$380 was approved by
Minister for Innovation, Science and TechnologyDate approved
December 2025Location of the project
Coffs Harbour 2450Location of the recipient
Coffs Harbour 2450About the grant
Applications approved
10
Applications received
13
Supporting Young Scientists Equity & Access Program 2026 - Round 1
Program term
07/05/2026More about Supporting Young Scientists Equity & Access Program 2026 - Round 1
What was approved
Approved for Macksville High School (Department of Education)
The 2026 STEM Conference for Regional Girls brings together Year 8 female and non-binary students from Macksville High School and other Mid North Coast schools. Through hands-on workshops, speaker panels and a careers expo, students will grow STEM confidence, explore career pathways and connect with diverse, inspiring STEM role models.
$2,090 was approved by
Minister for Innovation, Science and TechnologyDate approved
December 2025Location of the project
Coffs Harbour 2450Location of the recipient
Macksville 2447About the grant
Applications approved
10
Applications received
13
Supporting Young Scientists Equity & Access Program 2026 - Round 1
Program term
31/03/2026More about Supporting Young Scientists Equity & Access Program 2026 - Round 1
What was approved
Approved for Project Bucephalus Pty Ltd
The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is an annual international robotics event with a mission “to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators”. Teams of high-school students compete at Regional Events, advancing to the FIRST Championships in Houston (USA): 600+ teams meeting for STEM competition and celebration!
$5,000 was approved by
Minister for Innovation, Science and TechnologyDate approved
December 2025Location of the recipient
Horsley 2530About the grant
Applications approved
10
Applications received
13
Supporting Young Scientists Equity & Access Program 2026 - Round 1
Program term
26/02/2026More about Supporting Young Scientists Equity & Access Program 2026 - Round 1
What was approved
Approved for Rutherford Technology High School
Twenty Year 8 students from the RTHS Women in STEM Program will participate in The Orbispace Initiative—a national space innovation challenge equipping young women with technical and leadership skills for future industries. This experience builds confidence, creativity, and STEM capability among regional female students through real-world, curriculum-aligned design challenges.
$7,000 was approved by
Minister for Innovation, Science and TechnologyDate approved
December 2025Location of the project
Haymarket 2000Location of the recipient
Rutherford 2320About the grant
Applications approved
10
Applications received
13
Supporting Young Scientists Equity & Access Program 2026 - Round 1
Program term
18/03/2026More about Supporting Young Scientists Equity & Access Program 2026 - Round 1
What was approved
Approved for St. Philip's Christian Education Foundation LTD
This Program gives students a broader understanding of study and career options available in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Participants will: participate in tours of science and technology facilities, engage with industry partners and research providers, learn about university, training and STEM career pathways, and more.
$2,500 was approved by
Minister for Innovation, Science and TechnologyDate approved
December 2025Location of the recipient
Waratah 2298About the grant
Applications approved
10
Applications received
13
Supporting Young Scientists Equity & Access Program 2026 - Round 1
Program term
16/06/2026More about Supporting Young Scientists Equity & Access Program 2026 - Round 1
What was approved
Approved for Woolgoolga High School
A STEM innovation program empowering Year 8 girls to design, prototype, and pitch solutions addressing real-world environmental challenges through mentorship, collaboration, and industry engagement.
$10,000 was approved by
Minister for Innovation, Science and TechnologyDate approved
December 2025Location of the project
Woolgoolga 2456Location of the recipient
Woolgoolga 2456About the grant
Applications approved
10
Applications received
13
Supporting Young Scientists Equity & Access Program 2026 - Round 1
Program term
18/05/2026More about Supporting Young Scientists Equity & Access Program 2026 - Round 1