Ngunnawal name for the southside Academy of Future Skills


Released 21/11/2019

Today the Academy of Future Skills southside hub was officially named Mungga-iri Jingee meaning touch the stars. This is a particularly inspiring name for the STEM learning centre in Tuggeranong that was officially opened in May 2018.

The 2018-19 Budget allocated $5.7 million for the Academy that will build Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) capability and make STEM more accessible to all students.

The Academy consists of two hubs, Mungga-iri Jingee in the south of Canberra and the other in the north at the University of Canberra Senior Secondary College Lake Ginninderra.

The Academy provides access to high quality facilities where both students and teachers can develop skills that are transferrable to many of the fastest growing occupations.

As part of the Academy, I also announced the Girls in STEM Grants program of a total $200,000 that will help engage female students in science, technology, engineering and maths subjects and careers.

Schools or groups of schools can apply for up to $30,000 and individual students can apply for up to $4,000.

These grants will support ACT students to help address the inequities that currently exist in STEM particularly in the engagement of girls in STEM.

This will help provide equitable access to programs to develop skills and capabilities with access to expert mentors and industry networks.

The Academy is a key deliverable of the Future of Education Strategy, which recognises students as individuals and emphasises the creation of learning environments with students at the centre as well as the importance of learning for future jobs that don’t yet exist.

This facility and the work across STEM access supports students in the ACT to tread their own path based on their developing interests, knowledge and skills.

- Statement ends -

Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases

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