The STEM Equity and Access Program (SEAP), previously known as the Supporting Young Scientists Equity and Access Program (SYSEAP), supports high school students wishing to further their STEM education through a related competition, event, or course either within Australia or internationally.

The Program aims to maximise STEM education opportunities for NSW high school students who are:

• experiencing financial hardship from a low socio-economic background
• from regional or remote locations
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
• living with a disability and/or disorder
• from any other backgrounds that might need support.

The intended outcomes of the Program are to:

• provide opportunities for students to develop essential skills such as teamwork, collaboration, creativity, communication, and technical science and engineering knowledge.
• help students to explore their potential, expand their perspectives and future ambitions.
• build participation from students under-represented in STEM education and related industries.
• Align with policies and initiatives, such as the Australian Government's recommendations in the Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review, to advance a resilient and diverse STEM workforce in NSW that meets future innovation needs and broader global technological change.

Grant funding will be considered for students who identify with at least one of the following groups. For student teams, composition must reflect diversity, equity and inclusion which includes participants who identify with at least one of the following groups:

• experiencing financial hardship
• from remote or regional areas
• from a low socio-economic background
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
• living with a disability and/or disorder
• from any other background that might need support.

Applicants must be: 

• a relevant teacher or Principal at a NSW high school applying on behalf of a secondary school student or group of secondary school students or
• a relevant teacher, Principal or agent of a NSW high school or other NSW educational institution or association, in their capacity as organiser of a student team or group, which involves secondary school student entries from more than one NSW high school.

The applicant must:

• have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or
• be one of the following entities:
  • a secondary school that is registered with the relevant authority
  • a registered charity or incorporated not-for-profit organisation
  • an entity incorporated in Australia
  • be able to enter into a grant agreement in your own right or through an affiliated entity.

• Phone: 02 6586 7879
• Email: raap.grants@chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au