Optiver Foundation support UNSW programme to boost diversity in STEM

The UNSW Future You programme aims to get children from all backgrounds excited about STEM careers in Australia.

The Optiver Foundation has awarded a $2.7 million grant to University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney to support the University’s Future You programme.

UNSW’s Future You is designed to get kids aged eight to 12 excited about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects and inspire them to explore future career possibilities. It includes a range of free resources for teachers, parents, and kids on STEM themes to make it easy for everyone to get involved and learn about STEM in a fun and engaging way.

The three-year grant from the Optiver Foundation will enable the ‘Future You’ program to expand its reach and impact by creating resources and connecting with more people.
“We want to inspire young minds to discover the exciting world of STEM and explore the endless opportunities it offers,” said UNSW Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith, an astrophysicist and former Australian Ambassador for Women in STEM. “Our goal is to show students that anyone, regardless of their background, can thrive in STEM. It’s about fostering inclusivity and empowering all children to pursue their passions and realise their potential.”

Charles Lui, Chairman of the Optiver Foundation, added: “As a Foundation with a key focus on reducing inequality in STEM education outcomes, we are excited by the scalability, purpose and focus of the Future You initiative and its potential impact on education equality for Australian students. In the lead-up to International Women’s Day, we’re particularly motivated by the program’s long-term potential to see more women take up STEM careers.”

Empowering the next generation of STEM leaders

By raising greater awareness of diverse STEM career paths, the programme can increase STEM interest and, ultimately, participation among cohorts historically underrepresented in the sector: girls, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those with disabilities, students from regional, remote and Indigenous communities, and those from low socioeconomic communities.

With this funding, the programme has promised to deliver long-term impact, including improved social equity, enhanced problem-solving capacity, and a reduction in STEM skill shortages.
The ’Future You’ program aligns with Optiver Foundation’s focus on enhancing diversity through STEM education. The programme’s emphasis on inclusion, innovation, and global reach directly supports the Foundation’s mission to create equal opportunities in STEM.

About the Optiver Foundation

The Optiver Foundation is a global non-profit organisation committed to funding practical, enduring solutions that spur environmental action and promote diversity. Established in 2021 and drawing on Optiver’s heritage, the Foundation believes in the power of science, technology and education as transformative tools to drive positive changes for our global community.