Technology academy boosts STEM diversity through AirTrunk partnership
ATSE is partnering with AirTrunk to expand the Elevate: Boosting diversity in STEM program with two new scholarships starting in 2027.
The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering is partnering with AirTrunk to expand the Elevate: Boosting diversity in STEM program with two new scholarships starting in 2027.
The partnership will support more women and non-binary students studying computing and IT, building on Elevate's substantial success in helping more than 500 scholars pursue STEM degrees across Australia.
Supported by the Federal Government, over the past four years, Elevate has provided scholarships and career development opportunities to students from a broad range of backgrounds, including more than 35% of scholars who are from rural and remote communities, 8% who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and numerous students with disability and from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Through partnerships like this, industry is sending a clear message that investing in diverse STEM talent matters.
Beyond financial assistance, Elevate scholars receive professional development, leadership training, wellbeing support and industry networking opportunities that help prepare them for successful careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This assistance results in significant retention of scholars within their fields of study and goes a long way towards tackling national skills shortages in critical disciplines including cybersecurity, engineering, artificial intelligence and robotics.
AirTrunk joins a growing network of industry partners investing in Australia's future STEM workforce through the established national program. As a leading developer and operator of data centres across the Asia-Pacific & Middle East regions, AirTrunk is committed to inspiring the next generation of STEM talent and helping build a diverse, skilled workforce for the future.
ATSE Acting CEO Peter Derbyshire said the partnership demonstrated strong industry commitment to increasing diversity in STEM.
“Through partnerships like this industry is sending a clear message that investing in diverse STEM talent matters. Every new scholarship creates opportunities for talented women and non-binary students while helping build the skilled workforce Australia needs for the future,” Mr Derbyshire said.
AirTrunk CEO Robin Khuda said developing Australia's technology workforce was essential to the nation's future.
“As Australia's digital economy continues to grow, so does the need for skilled and diverse technology professionals. We're proud to partner with ATSE to help more women and non-binary students pursue careers in computing and IT through the Elevate program,” Mr Khuda said.
