Adelaide’s league-leading STEMfooty program will reach new heights in 2020 thanks to principal partner Optus. 

The telecommunications giant has stepped in to help the program continue during a difficult period due to Coronavirus. 

Thanks to Optus, more than 1500 school kids will still be able to take part in 2020 - including 150 indigenous students in term three. 

The program is designed to address the significant growth in STEM-related jobs and the continued decline in student engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. 

Crows STEMfooty boss Katie Gloede heaped praise on Optus for their support.

“We’re so grateful to Optus for helping keep STEMfooty alive in 2020,” Gloede said.

 “The program means so much to us here at the Crows and we see such fantastic results with students and schools.

“Keeping the program running in 2020 is a huge win, for us and for the hundreds of kids taking part.”

Optus Head of Marketing, Melissa Hopkins said they were thrilled to be involved.

“We’re delighted to be supporting the Adelaide Football Club’s STEMfooty program,” Melissa said.

“STEM is such an important area for students and we hope to see many more participants applying for jobs in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics sector in years to come.

“From the outset of our partnership with the club we wanted to be involved in much more than just the football. STEM allows us to not only engage with the community but also support with the technology such as 5G that can take STEM to the next level.

“From the women’s team to grassroots programs, STEMfooty is another chance for us to show our support for the Crows and hopefully help benefit the South Australian community.”

STEMfooty is a collaborative 10 week in-schools program for Year 7 students linked to the ACARA curriculum.   

The program is held on a term basis and the resources and curriculum is supplied by the program for schools to use.  There is no cost to participate. 

Any schools interested in finding out more, please visit:

www.afc.com.au/community/programs/STEMfooty