Grants up to $2 million available to deliver defence education program

The federal government has launched the Schools Pathways Program: Open Competitive Grant Opportunity, designed to raise awareness of defence industry career opportunities involving science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM.)

​According to a statement from defence industry minister Pat Conroy (pictured) on Tuesday, grant funding valued at over $11 million across 2024-25 and 2025-26 is available. Organisations can apply for grants worth between $150,000 and $2,000,000 to deliver relevant activities.

Projects are described as “facilitat[ing] an understanding of the defence industry, provid[ing] access to defence industry career experiences, mentoring and networking opportunities, and encourag[ing student participation in STEM activities and/or subjects”.

“The launch of this grant opportunity is yet another example of delivering on the Defence Industry Development Strategy, supporting a resilient, competitive and innovative Australian sovereign defence industrial base, and a future Defence industry workforce to support our national security,” said Conroy.

This grants follow $5.1 invested through the Schools Pathways Program inter-governmental agreements with South Australia and Western Australia up to 2025-26, Conroy added.

​Projects must be completed by 31 March, 2016. Guideline and other information is available here.

Applications will open on Tuesday next week. 

Picture: credit department of defence