Google Invests In Mackay School

Blue, red, yellow and green lights illuminated the Mackay State High School Hall last Tuesday as the school welcomed global technology company Google to announce funding for a new school program.

Throughout the program, made possible by national education charity Schools Plus and funded by a $33,000 donation from Google, students will receive hands-on training in the classroom with a range of different digital technologies.

Students will also undertake workshops run by STEM Punks, a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education provider, while teachers will benefit from professional development training in technology, including the use of tools like robotics and software.

The program will benefit 150 students to begin with, before being expanded to more students at Mackay State High.

Google’s donation was made through Schools Plus, a not-for-profit that exists to help close the education gap caused by disadvantage.

“Our journey commenced with a funding proposal to Schools Plus, an organisation that exists to help students succeed at school; specifically, students who may face barriers due to rural locations, socio-economic backgrounds and English as a second language,” said Mackay State High School Principal Felicity Roberts.

“We are excited at the new opportunities this will enable for our students and staff.

“STEM education and the skills it develops – like creativity, problem solving and teamwork – are so critical to our students’ futures.”

Schools Plus has assisted over 330,000 students in 1,040 schools since its inception in 2015 and Director of Donor Relations Sherrill Nixon said students in regional and rural locations are around 1.5 years behind metro students in STEM-related subjects.

“That’s why we’re so passionate about working with supporters like Google to give students learning opportunities that will make a real difference to their future,” Ms Nixon said.

“This project will not only equip students and their teachers with much-needed skills, but it may well spark newfound passions and produce Australia’s future coders and engineers right here at Mackay State High.”

Google Engineering Programs Manager Marie Efstathiou said Google is committed to helping Australia build a stronger digital future by ensuring students have access to technology and the skills to use it.

“With this new program, students will learn future-focused skills that will help them discover new interests and unlock career opportunities,” Ms Efstathiou said.

“Through our Digital Future Initiative, Google plans to invest $1 billion over five years in Australian partnerships, research and infrastructure as we work to support Australia’s goal of becoming a leading digital economy.”

Staff from Google, Schools Plus and STEM Punks were welcomed to Mackay by Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson and Mackay State High School Principal Felicity Roberts. Photos supplied

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