Creating a strong future STEM workforce starts with helping young people see what is possible. Host David Pembroke is joined by Dr Melanie Bagg, CEO of the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF), to talk about how NYSF connects students with real STEM people, workplaces and pathways they cannot always access at school. They discuss what changed through Covid, how a small team works with a large volunteer network, and how NYSF tailors communications across channels while keeping the “human” experience at the centre. Melanie also shares what their long-term evaluation reveals about confidence, belonging and career direction, plus practical lessons for government communicators on testing, listening and staying audience-led.
KEY POINTS
- Make STEM real, not abstract: Young people respond when they meet real people in real workplaces and can see multiple pathways into careers.
- Design for inclusion, not ‘elite’ performance: A friendly, youth-led approach can reduce imposter syndrome and widen participation, particularly for young women and regional and remote students.
- Use data to prove impact and shape programs: NYSF surveys students on day one, day nine, one year and five years to track shifts in confidence and options, and to inform new offerings.
- Match channels to audiences: NYSF adjusts tone and content by platform (eg Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn) and uses feedback loops to keep learning.
- Adopt AI carefully and ethically: AI can speed up external-facing work, but sensitive information needs clear boundaries, checks and governance.
● National Youth Science Forum (NYSF): Youth-led STEM programs including the Year 12 Program
https://www.nysf.edu.au/
● National Youth STEM Summit: NYSF’s program for early-tertiary/VET and early-career STEM participants
https://www.nysf.edu.au/programs/national-youth-stem-summit/
● Rotary International: NYSF’s founding partner mentioned in the episode
https://www.rotary.org/
● Science & Technology Australia: Professional membership organisation mentioned as part of the STEM ecosystem
https://www.scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/
● Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE): Learned academy mentioned
https://www.atse.org.au/
● Australian Academy of Science: Learned academy mentioned (and Melanie’s previous organisation)
https://www.science.org.au/
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