Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said Grafton High School student Isaac Huxley is one of 60 of Australia’s brightest technology-buffs who converged on Macquarie University in Sydney this week to take part in an advanced digital technology summer-school backed by the Federal Government.
“I would like to congratulate Isaac on being selected to be part of the first digIT cohort, a program which will help take students’ skills in digital literacy, science, technology, engineering and mathematics to the next level,” he said.
“The Federal Government has committed around $1 million for digIT through the National Innovation and Science Agenda to ensure we foster the passions of the next generation of technologists and boost their skills.
“Students like Isaac have a proven passion for technology and they’re making Australia’s National Innovation and Science Agenda a reality. digIT will expand their critical thinking, programming and problem-solving skills – skills that will be vital for Australia’s future successes.
“With the help of the Australian Mathematics Trust and Australian Science Innovations, digIT will run a hands-on extension and mentoring program to expose students to all aspects of technology through guest lectures, interactive sessions, practicals and field trips.
“Programs like digIT are critical for this and future generations of students because employment trends show that 75 per cent of Australia’s fastest growing careers demand skills in digital literacy, science, technology, engineering or mathematics.
Mr Hogan said Isaac and the other digIT students would follow up their four-day residential summer school with a six-month program that includes another residential camp and professional mentoring.
“By fostering the skills and passion of these students through the digIT summer schools, residential camp and professional mentoring we expect those students will take what they’ve learned back to their classrooms to inspire and challenge their peers,” he said.
Mr Hogan said many of the 60 students taking part in digIT came from regional, rural and disadvantaged backgrounds.
“Longer-term, digIT will help students build a network of new friends from all walks of life, learn from role models and practise new skills,” he said.
Subsequent digIT summer schools will be held in a different capital city each year. They are open to secondary students from around Australia.
For more information please visit: www.amt.edu.au/information/for-students/digit/
