Held in partnership with BrainSTEM, a leading nonprofit organisation. the significant grant will enable ACS and BrainSTEM to provide what they say will be “invaluable opportunities for 120 high school girls, along with 30 mentors and teachers, to participate in a range of STEM mentoring programs, workshops, and masterclasses aimed at demystifying the world of STEM”.

The BrainSTEM Games is an initiative designed to inspire and empower young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) - and with the “generous support of the Federal Government's Maker STEM grant, ACS and BrainSTEM” will work together to foster a passion for STEM among high school girls and equip them with the necessary skills to thrive in these fields.

"We are thrilled to have received the Maker STEM grant from the Federal Government, which will allow us to organise The BrainSTEM Games," said Chris Vein, ACS Chief Executive Officer.

"This funding enables us to create a supportive and immersive environment where high school girls can engage with STEM professionals, mentors, and teachers. We believe that by providing these opportunities, we can break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive STEM workforce in Australia."

The BrainSTEM Games will offer a comprehensive range of STEM activities and experiences, including mentorship programs, design thinking workshops, and opportunities to interact with industry experts, and these initiatives will aim to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, empowering participants to develop essential skills, discover their potential, and pursue their passion in STEM disciplines.

"We are excited to partner with ACS in organising The BrainSTEM Games," said Sid Verma, CEO of BrainSTEM. "This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to empower young women and promote diversity in STEM. By combining our resources and expertise, we can create transformative experiences that inspire and equip the next generation of female STEM leaders."

The BrainSTEM Games program will be available to girls in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria and will run from August to November 2023, and this extended period will allow for substantial engagement and learning opportunities for the participants.

ACS and BrainSTEM say they are incredibly grateful to the Federal Government for their recognition and investment in this vital initiative, and the Maker STEM grant is a “testament to the government's commitment to fostering innovation, diversity, and excellence in STEM education”.

For more information about The BrainSTEM Games and the initiatives undertaken by the Australian Computer Society and BrainSTEM, visit www.acs.org.au.