The Girls to Graduates (G2G) program improves access, participation, retention and success in STEMM disciplines at Macquarie University for students from priority equity backgrounds, including First Nations students, students who are first-in-family, from low socio-economic backgrounds, regional and remote communities, and non-English-speaking backgrounds.
Through a coordinated suite of outreach, access and success initiatives, G2G supports students at every stage of the education pathway from school to career. The program delivers immersive STEMM camps, leadership development opportunities, targeted scholarships and industry-connected experiences, including research internships and professional placements that strengthen career readiness and leadership capability.
Photo source: Macquarie University. The Girls to Graduates camp delivers interactive STEMM experiences for girls across priority equity backgrounds.
Originally established in 2023, and led by the Access and Widening Participation team, G2G is the University’s largest externally funded equity-focused STEMM initiative.
The new funding, awarded through the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources’ Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship (WiSE) program, will support the next phase of G2G from 2026 to 2030.
The $2 million grant recognises the program’s impact and potential to expand its reach, strengthen industry partnerships and deliver long-term systemic change. It brings the total external funding secured by G2G to more than $3 million since the program began.
The Australian Government’s STEM Equity Monitor shows that girls’ confidence in studying STEMM subjects declines during their teenage years, and that they are also less likely than boys to choose STEMM subjects as electives in Years 11 and 12.
“We know that Australia’s future depends on having talented people with the skills and expertise to tackle some of our biggest challenges, from advances in health and medicine to new technologies and a changing environment,” Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) and Chief Investigator, Professor Taryn Jones, said.
“Yet too many young women, particularly those from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in higher education, don’t always see themselves in these fields, let alone as future STEMM leaders.”
“Programs like Girls to Graduates are about changing that. By giving young women the opportunity to experience STEMM, meet people working in these careers and see what is possible, we can help open doors and build a stronger, more diverse pipeline of talent for Australia’s future. We also learn more about what initiatives really make a difference so we can target investment more thoughtfully.”
“We are thankful for the Government’s generous support and recognition of G2G and can’t wait to further expand the program.”
Photo source: Macquarie University. Dr Vanessa Pirotta, Dr Sally hurst, and Dr Paige Erpf with the 2026 Girls To Graduates cohort
The next phase of G2G will expand established cross-University partnerships and help build a broader network of industry and community partners.
These include AstraZeneca, Science & Technology Australia, The Asstembly, Macquarie Partnerships, the Macquarie University Incubator, Young Wisdom and Connect Macquarie Park Innovation District.
Partners of the Gurls to Graduates program aim to inspire more young women to pursue careers in science and healthcare.
“Girls to Graduates is creating opportunities for young women to see what’s possible through science. We were drawn to the program’s practical focus on breaking down barriers, building confidence and connecting students with real-world opportunities in STEMM. We are proud to support the program because we share its commitment to shaping future careers and strengthening the next generation of STEMM leaders,” said Clare di Leva, Director Human Resources, AstraZeneca Australia and New Zealand.
The Government’s WiSE Round 5 funding is specifically designed to support larger-scale, longer-term initiatives that reduce barriers for girls and women in STEMM education, careers and entrepreneurship. Macquarie’s G2G program was one of five projects nationally to receive funding in the latest round.
“G2G takes a whole-of-university approach to addressing the underrepresentation of women in STEMM. Working in partnership with industry, education and community stakeholders, the program seeks to drive broader cultural change while advancing the University’s commitment to equity of participation. With the support of the new funding, G2G will build on its strong foundations to expand opportunities for women from underrepresented backgrounds and address the systemic barriers that continue to limit their participation and progression in STEMM education and careers,” Jacinta Carruthers, Head of Access and Widening Participation, said.