If you’ve ever watched your child figure out how to make a paper plane fly straighter or mix the perfect shade of purple with half the craft cupboard, you’ve seen STEM (Science. Technology. Engineering. Maths) in action. These are not just subjects, but the building blocks of how kids make sense of the world.
All kids need STEM in their lives — not to become a scientist one day, but to be happier, more confident, and more capable right now.
That’s precisely why the Future You program was developed. Hosted by UNSW, Future You is a nationwide STEM program designed specifically for children aged 8–12. It’s completely free, family-friendly, and designed to help kids see STEM not as something ‘for other kids,’ but as something relevant, exciting, and genuinely part of their future.
Why early STEM exposure matters
Research consistently shows that early engagement in STEM leads to better outcomes — academically, socially, and even emotionally. Kids who think of themselves as ‘good at science’ or ‘confident with numbers’ do better across the board. These mindset shifts start early, and they’re powerful.
And it makes sense. STEM skills aren’t reserved for labs or coding clubs. They’re used every single day:
- Converting measurements while cooking
- Solving problems through trial and error
- Designing the perfect LEGO tower that actually stands up
- Working out the quickest way across the monkey bars
However, if children don’t see the relevance of STEM early and often, they can disengage. And that disengagement is difficult to reverse.
Stereotypes are still shaping our kids
You might think the old ‘scientist in a lab coat’ stereotype is long gone. Unfortunately, not quite.
Across nearly 80 repeats of the famous ‘draw a scientist’ experiment since 1966, where children are asked to draw a scientist, children continue to imagine scientists as predominantly male, primarily white, and working alone. A 2025 study found that 82% of kids drew a male scientist, 86% drew someone Caucasian, and 88% portrayed them working in isolation.
These limiting images matter. Kids absorb the message: STEM isn’t for me.
Children start forming ideas about jobs long before high school. In fact, by the end of primary school, many kids have already ruled out whole career pathways based on stereotypes they’ve picked up from family, school, media and the world around them.
Meet real role models with Pathfinders
Future You introduces kids to real STEM role models, called Pathfinders, who are everyday Australians who use STEM in creative, unexpected, and deeply human ways. Wildlife Conservation Officer, Game Designer, Augmented Reality Expert, Food Scientist.
Career exploration at this age isn’t about choosing a job; it’s about discovering your passions and interests. It’s about building confidence, and nurturing a mindset that says, “I can try things. I can learn things. I can be part of this.”
And the best part? Future You makes it easy … and free. Explore the stories together, dive into the resources, and watch their confidence grow. Their future self will thank you.
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