Research shows that girls as young as six years old believe that STEM subjects are not for them due to the stereotypes they’ve been exposed to. That’s why the Australian Government’s Women in STEM Ambassador last week launched a new initiative they’ve called ‘Future You’.

Future You is a national campaign targeted at primary school aged children 8-12 years old, and aims to smash stereotypes about STEM subjects and careers. It hopes to inspire boys and girls equally to see themselves in a range of jobs working in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

The Future You website offers a fun environment with animated characters, skill-based games, songs, quizzes and loads of inspiring, diverse careers depicted.

The Hon. Karen Andrews MP, Minister for Industry, Science and Technology said “We know that a lack of role models and understanding of STEM careers reduces girl’s confidence in STEM subjects as early as Year 4 – but we want to change that”.

The Future You initiative is led by the Australian Government’s Women in STEM Ambassador Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith.

“STEM subjects are not just for scientists and engineers – they are for everyone. Future You shows young people just how exciting, vibrant and rewarding a STEM skilled career can be,” Professor Harvey-Smith said.

You can find The Future You website here: www.womeninstem.org.au/futureyou.