• The National Indigenous Science Education Program wins 2019 Australian Museum Eureka Prize for STEM Inclusion
• Charles Sturt partnered with Macquarie University and Yaegl Elders to deliver the program
• Students from two high schools in Wagga Wagga participate in the program

The hard work of staff from Charles Sturt University (Charles Sturt) and students from two Wagga Wagga high schools was acknowledged on Wednesday night when a STEM education program they participate in won a prestigious national award.

The National Indigenous Science Education Program (NISEP), of which Charles Sturt is a partner with Macquarie University, won the 2019 Department of Industry, Innovation and Science Eureka Prize for STEM Inclusion worth $10,000.

Yaegl Elders approached Macquarie University in 2004 about how to help students engage more with their schooling.

Out of that grew NISEP, which teaches Year 9 students to present science demonstrations to Year 7 and primary school students.

The program aims to develop students’ leadership skills and confidence and break down barriers around Indigenous students attending university.

Charles Sturt Associate Professor in chemistry in the School of Agriculture and Wine Sciences Paul Prenzler and Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation researcher said the award was exciting for all staff and students involved.

“I was really thrilled, it’s very exciting,” Professor Paul Prenzler said.

“I think it’s recognition that this is a wonderful program, and is a tribute to the great work that schools, universities and Indigenous communities do when working in partnership together.

“NISEP is about the students and giving them the opportunity to develop and grow as leaders and then thinking of their futures after school.

“I think the award acknowledges the program has been successful in doing that.”

The 2019 Australian Museum Eureka Prize winners were announced on Wednesday 28 August.