Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, announced the local schools will share in $85,000 in funding through the second round of the Digital Literacy School Grants Program.

“The government is delivering $20,000 to PLC Armidale to increase the involvement of girls from regional areas in STEM fields as well as exposure to and familiarity with cutting edge equipment,” Mr Joyce said.

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“Meanwhile, a partnership between Walcha Central School, Uralla Central School and the University of New England will implement innovative, sustainable and integrated delivery of the curriculum, develop a new pedagogical framework and establish technology design centres in both schools.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how these project will help build the digital skills of their students and spark an interest in fields like science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).” 

Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said the government was investing $4 million towards the Digital Literacy School Grants program to help school students improve their digital literacy and to boost their participation in STEM subjects.

“The three New England schools were among 60 schools selected from across Australia to receive funding for their innovative and engaging digital literacy project,” Minister Birmingham said.

“Some of the exciting projects receiving grants involve students building and coding through digital circuits and robotic devices, 3D modelling and printing and digital manufacturing and digital fabrication.

“I am delighted that schools across Australia are being empowered to establish a culture of innovation and creativity while equipping students with the digital literacy skills that will be indemand in the future.”