Hi everyone, and welcome to Future You!

Future You aims to inspire an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) careers amongst children aged 8 to 12. STEM will be a major growth area for jobs of the future, but there is currently a shortage of people who have the skills we need to tackle our greatest challenges.

Australia’s STEM workforce does not reflect the rich and diverse nature of Australia’s population, in terms of women and people from LGBTQI+, culturally diverse, Indigenous, rural and remote communities, and people with disabilities. Diversity breeds innovation – and that is why Future You aims to provide role models for all Australians as the program grows.

Children often decide what careers they will pursue early in life, with the ages between 8 and 12 being seen as a key stage in this thinking. Their decisions are influenced by attitudes expressed towards these careers by the important adults in their lives – their carers, their families and teachers.

Future You aims to show children the world of opportunities awaiting them through STEM and other vital skills. Through films, short stories, posters, downloadable activities and competitions, Future You provides inspirational role models for children, whilst offering practical advice on what they can do now to start their journey.

The program also gives teachers, carers and families the information they need to encourage children to think about what STEM could offer them, and what they could do with STEM skills to help build a better future.

I hope you enjoy everything that Future You has in store.

I can’t wait to see you in the future!

Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith,
Australia’s Women In STEM Ambassador