Regional Development Australia Hunter (RDA Hunter) is delighted to announce that it has secured funding to continue delivering its successful ME Program through the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources Schools Pathways Program, a key initiative of the Defence Industry Development Strategy.
The ME Program links Defence Industry and students to help build an industry-skilled, homegrown Hunter workforce. It connects the Hunter’s Defence Industry with its future workforce and increases students’ awareness of pathways to defence industry careers. It encourages Hunter high school students to engage in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects at school,
and aims to inspire them to continue their studies at university or TAFE and pursue employment opportunities in local defence industries.
The ME Program supports 30 diverse high schools across the Hunter by providing STEM equipment and a wide range of hands-on activities that inspire students to consider STEM-related opportunities in their future careers.
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The Hon. Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery and Member for Shortland, said, “The Albanese Government is pleased to announce that Regional Development Australia Hunter’s ME Program has been successful in the competitive open round of grant funding for the Schools Pathways Program. The Hunter is a hub of industry, and the need for a skilled, and
sustainable workforce is more pressing than ever. The ME Program has a solid track record of supporting the growth and awareness of STEM opportunities, which lead to good careers, further studies and the level of sovereign capability our Nation requires.”
John Turner OAM, Chair of RDA Hunter said, “We are grateful to have secured funding for the continuation of the ME Program through the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. The Program has been running for 16 years, positively impacting tens of thousands of students and encouraging them to study and work in the region. RDA Hunter is proud to have devised, developed and delivered this important initiative which helps students, parents, and schools access STEM events and resources, and Defence Industry to access STEM-skilled, motivated talent.”
Chris Tola, ME Program Manager said, “It is exciting to see the ME Program confirmed into 2026. Its results are evidenced in the increased uptake of STEM subjects in Hunter schools compared to the New South Wales average, especially among underrepresented groups such as female-identifying and First Nations students, and we’re looking forward to building on this impact further. The ME Program helps connect schools with Hunter industry, particularly in the region’s growing Defence sector, which delivers significant workforce outcomes.”