A partnership between aerospace giant Boeing and the University of Adelaide is set to assist students studying science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in 2023.

The University of Adelaide Higher Education Relations Grant will be used for sponsorship of student programs and initiatives promoting diversity in STEM, with the intent of inspiring a new pipeline of student talent and technology development.

Aiming to benefit approximately 620 students, the grant will support Indigenous students, high school students, women in STEM, students who compete in the Australian Rover Challenge and first year students participating in the University’s design and build challenge. The grant will also support the Ingkarni Wardli Technologies Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander senior high school students with an interest in STEM.

Three scholarships will be given to help students with education and living costs, including one software engineering student, a female STEM student and an Indigenous business student.

The University of Adelaide’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Jennie Shaw, said the University is proud to partner with Boeing to help educate the next generation of STEM leaders.

“The Higher Education Relations Grant will help to strengthen participating students’ learning experience and skill development by encouraging them to apply their abilities and knowledge in practical applications,” said Professor Shaw.

“The grant will enable senior secondary school students to experience immersive STEM studies and also prepare University of Adelaide students for real-world, creative careers in STEM.”

Boeing Defence Australia’s Director Supply Chain Management and University of Adelaide Executive Leader, Naomi Smith, said the collaboration is part of the company’s commitment to creating unique careers in STEM.

“Partnering with the University of Adelaide is helping build our talent pipeline for research and development of undersea autonomy, robotics, and artificial intelligence in support of growing Australia’s aerospace capability,” said Ms Smith.