New space education project is out of this world

Australia’s space industry is set to triple in the next eight years, skyrocketing to a worth of $12 billion, and one expert is making it his mission to ensure our local workforce is ready.

Dr Scott Sleap has been awarded a prestigious Churchill Fellowship from the Churchill Trust for his commitment to expanding STEM education in Australian schools, especially in regional, rural and remote areas.

“The space industry will be worth $1 trillion by 2040 and Australia has the opportunity to be a key player, but we need to ensure we have the workforce,” Dr Sleap explained.

“I’ve been involved in workforce development for a long time with the purpose of building the workforce of the future. Australia has one of the fastest growing space industries in the world and we need an extra 20,000 jobs in this area. This is my mission, and I’ve already created new curriculum courses for aerospace and cyber security, this is about taking that next step.”

Dr Sleap will spend six weeks travelling across the US, learning from leading space experts at NASA, top tier universities and an international space exploration conference in Houston, Texas.

He says his aim is to develop a blueprint to be used by the Australian Space Agency, and the country’s education departments, to further enhance Australia’s STEM space outreach.

“We want people to get enthusiastic and involved, but how can that happen if they aren’t aware of the opportunities? We need the whole community, from students to teachers and parents, to get excited and we want what we are doing to have an impact around the entire country,” Dr Sleap explained.

One school already benefitting from Dr Sleap’s work is East Hills Girls Technology High in Sydney.

Head Science Teacher Heidi Hammond said the programs designed by Dr Sleap to promote STEM have an extremely positive impact on her students.

“Traditionally schools see girls shy away from the STEM subjects, but the incredible work Scott is pioneering ensures these subjects are all encompassing. The iSTEM, Future Space and Cybersecurity content is extremely engaging, and I’ve seen the excited response of my own students to it. It has quite literally been life changing for them,” Mrs Hammond explained.

“Our students eagerly look forward to see what he does next with this opportunity,” she added

“Science has long been an avid passion of mine, which is why I am beyond thankful for the countless opportunities we’ve been provided with by doing this course. Dr Sleap’s contribution has enhanced our experience and opened new doors in the vast world of STEM,” East Hills Girls Technology High student Yuthara Attanayake said.

Classmate Adn Ali adding “the year 10 iStem class at East Hills Girls Technology High School has received various opportunities to expand our knowledge on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. One of our most memorable events was the Astronaut visit in August.

Dr Mary Ellen Webber came from NASA in the US to talk about her experiences on the International Space Station. Dr Scott Sleap was one of the amazing people that made this possible for us and we are extremely grateful for his contribution to the iSTEM program at our school.”

Dr Sleap said he was honoured and excited to receive the prestigious Churchill Fellowship.

“I am extremely humbled and very proud to be awarded a Winston Churchill Fellowship given the high standards and quality of the other applicants. I would never have imagined as a young person, growing up on a farm in the NSW Hunter Valley, I would have such a meaningful career that is now taking me to NASA and beyond,” Dr Sleap said.

CEO of the Churchill Trust, Adam Davey, congratulated Dr Sleap on his Fellowship, saying his commitment and passion were evident for all to see.

“Scott is an extremely inspiring person and we couldn’t think of anyone better to take the next generation and lead them into the careers of tomorrow. We’re proud to be playing a small part in Scott’s journey as he assists Australia take the next small step, and giant leap, in own space mission.”

Mr Davey said Churchill Fellowships have been delivering positive results for almost 60 years in honour of the memory of the famous wartime UK Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill.

“The Churchill Fellowship celebrates curiosity, encourages inquisitive thinking, promotes innovation and generates a positive impact,”

“Our aim is to provide ordinary Australians with extraordinary opportunities to expand our collective knowledge and provide contemporary solutions to the issues and challenges we’re facing as a nation,” Mr Davey said.

“We’re proud to be supporting Scott as he continues his incredible work and to assist him in shaping the future workforce of our nation.”

The Winston Churchill Trust has flown talented Australians around the globe to pursue their passion and bring their knowledge home for almost sixty years. Churchill Fellows come from all walks of life and all sectors from the arts and science to health, agriculture, and beyond.