More than 60 students from across Australia will converge on Macquarie University in Sydney today to kick off an advanced digital technology summer school backed by the Turnbull Government.
Federal Member for Gilmore Ann Sudmalis representing the Education and Training Minister for the launch said the digIT summer schools would receive $1 million through the National Innovation and Science Agenda to inspire students to follow their passion for digital technology studies.
“Many of the 60 students doing the inaugural digIT summer school come from regional, rural and disadvantaged backgrounds,” Ms Sudmalis said.
“These students are some of the brightest and most passionate technologists in Australia and the Turnbull Government’s funding for digIT will help students take their skills to the next level.
“These students have a proven passion for technology and they’re making Australia’s National Innovation and Science Agenda a reality. digIT will expand their critical thinking, programming and problem-solving skills – skills that will be vital for Australia’s future successes.
“Programs like digIT are critical for this and future generations of students because employment trends show that 75 per cent of Australia’s fastest growing careers demand skills in digital literacy, science, technology, engineering or mathematics.
Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said the students would follow up their four-day residential summer school with a six-month program that includes another residential camp and professional mentoring.
“By fostering the skills and passion of these students through the digIT summer schools, residential camp and professional mentoring we expect those students will take what they’ve learned back to their classrooms to inspire and challenge their peers,” Minister Birmingham said.
“With the help of the Australian Mathematics Trust and Australian Science Innovations, digIT will run a hands-on extension and mentoring program to expose students to all aspects of technology through guest lectures, interactive sessions, practicals and field trips.
“Longer-term, digIT will help students build a network of new friends from all walks of life, learn from role models and practise new skills.”
Subsequent digIT summer schools will be held in a different capital city each year. They are open to secondary students from around Australia.
For more information visit: www.amt.edu.au/information/for-students/digit/