Girls in STEM Mentoring Program

The veski Bionics Institute Girls in STEM Mentoring Program empowers secondary school girls to explore the exciting possibilities of a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Launched in 2017 by the Bionics Institute with just two students, the program has grown to include more than 70 students from 18 schools—and we’re just getting started. From 2025, the program is proudly facilitated by veski, continuing the mission to connect students with inspiring women in STEM and spark curiosity, confidence and capability.

How the Program Works

Each year, schools nominate up to four students from Year 9, 10 or 11 who show a strong interest in STEM. Students are grouped in small teams and paired with a female STEM professional for monthly online mentoring sessions from May to September.

Throughout the program, students will:

• Explore real-world STEM study and career options
• Learn how to research and interpret scientific and technical information
• Gain confidence in communicating STEM concepts
• Present their learnings to peers in a final five-minute PowerPoint presentation

Where possible, mentors also offer students the chance to tour their workplaces, offering a behind-the-scenes look into STEM in action. The program concludes with a celebration event that brings together all participants and mentors.

A Journey of Discovery

Over six months, students gradually build their understanding of a specific STEM topic—from broad concepts to deeper insights into their mentor’s area of expertise. They receive personalised guidance and feedback throughout, developing skills in scientific thinking, communication, and collaboration. The program culminates in a short school-based presentation, allowing students to share what they’ve learned with classmates and teachers.

Why It Matters

This program offers more than just exposure to STEM—it helps girls see themselves in STEM. With hands-on experiences and mentors who’ve walked the path before them, students build confidence, expand their aspirations, and take real steps toward a future in STEM. Many past participants have gone on to pursue STEM Degrees at leading universities.

Who Can Join?

The Girls in STEM Mentoring program is open to girls in Year 9, 10 and 11 from public and independent schools across Victoria.

Feedback from the Girls in STEM Mentoring Program

Ivanhoe Girls Grammar School teacher testimonial
Our students have been involved with the Bionics Institute for several years and students have relished the opportunity of working in research science with acclaimed female mentors.

Not only have they had experience in laboratories and other research settings their mentors have given a firsthand account of a career for women in science research fields.

Mentors have provided insight all the way from undergraduate entry and experiences, through the process of applying for grants and other funding as well as presenting research findings at conferences. These insights have been invaluable for our students.

In addition, they have enhanced their communication skills, effectively and regularly communicating with their mentors and ultimately presenting their projects to a broad audience.

Former Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School student story
Tara Stewardson was one of the first participants in the inaugural program and she told us how it inspired her to pursue a career in STEM in this case study.

Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School students involved in the Girls in STEM Mentoring Program in 2021 were offered the following STEM courses for study in 2023:

• Animal and Veterinary Biosciences at La Trobe University or Charles Sturt University
• Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne
• Laws (Honours)/Biomedical Science at Monash University
• Nursing/Midwifery at Deakin University
• Physiotherapy at Victoria University or Podiatry (Honours) at La Trobe University
• Science at the University Of Melbourne.

Loreto School news article
Three students from Loreto school describe their experience of the program in this news article on the Loreto website.

Register Your Interest

If your school would like to be involved in this inspiring program, we’d love to hear from you.

Email [email protected] to register your interest or request more information.

Curious about the finer details? Head to the Girls in STEM FAQ Page for more information on timelines, mentoring sessions, and student requirements.