Funding of $1.37 million to make the specialist centre a reality was announced recently by Higher Education and Training and Skills Minister Gayle Tierney and Education Minister James Merlino.
The centre's learning spaces have been described as state-of-the-art and equipped with the latest machinery, researchers and laboratories to launch secondary students into emerging and new industries across all STEM fields.
Engaging students aged 15 to 25 in STEM pathways and subjects is something in which The Science Gallery has proven success. The facility is part of a new precinct of innovation called Melbourne Connect, which is expected to be complete by 2021, the same year the STEM Centre of Excellence is scheduled for completion. New educational facilities such as this are often the focus of major flyer printing campaigns.
Minister Tierney said the STEM centre was among 10 Tech Schools to be established as a result of a recent State Government investment of in excess of $128 million, adding:
“This partnership with The University of Melbourne is about encouraging innovation and giving young Victorians the exposure to the industries that are the future of work.”
Tierney said the training being offered in the areas of mathematics, engineering, technology and science is set to push the excitement levels, aspirations and relevance for students to new levels in the years to come.