ATSE's STELR Fund brings hands-on science kits to students in need

This is a new initiative for ATSE, with rural and remote schools, and schools with higher student disadvantage, receiving science and technology education kits for students and their teachers who would not normally have access to science equipment.

Supported by philanthropic donations and support from the community, the aim is for these hands-on educational kits to be in many more Australian schools. In its 15th year, STELR is already in more than 1000 schools around the country, yet thousands of students are still in need of high-quality education that will inspire and motivate them to understand the world around them and pursue impactful science, technology and engineering careers.

We know that hands-on inquiry leads to better learning outcomes for kids. By aligning STELR kits and their associated, free-to-download workbooks and learning resources with the national curriculum, we can support educators along with their students. ATSE is making sure that school students that would normally find it hard to purchase equipment, have the opportunity to have their very own STELR kits. Durable, multifunctional and expandable, the kits will support quality STEM education for many years to come.

The STELR Fund recipients for round 1 are:

• Marble Bar Primary School, WA
• Girrawheen Senior High School, WA
• Balga Senior High School, WA
• Rushworth P-12 College, VIC
• Parafield Gardens High School, SA
• Kimberley School Of The Air, WA
• Glenala State High School, QLD
• Nanango State High School, QLD
• Kyogle High School, NSW
• Southern River College, WA
• Condell Park High School, NSW
• Wyong High School, NSW
• Mackay State High School, QLD

A pilot round of the STELR Fund took place in December 2025, with several initial schools selected to receive kits at that time. Applications to the STELR Fund will take place twice per year in March and August each year. Visit the STELR Fund website to find out more.