Building Bright Futures: Girls Day Out in STEM

May 20th, 2025

In May 2025, 147 girls from nine Logan schools gathered at Tudor Park for a day of hands-on exploration, innovation, and empowerment. The annual Girls Day Out in STEM event – proudly supported by CSIRO and 22 industry partners – once again ignited imaginations and opened doors to the world of science, technology, engineering and maths.

An Unforgettable Day of Discovery

Hosted by the Kingston East Neighbourhood Group, the event featured:

  • Six interactive STEM rotations, where students explored quantum physics, digital design, robotics, virtual reality, and data science through sport.
  • CSIRO’s SPACE CORAL CAVE FIRE robot demo, which brought future-facing tech directly in front of students.
  • A dynamic STEM Passport, where girls stamped their way through activities and built confidence with every stop.

“It was even better than last year!” said one returning student. Another added, “You don’t have to be smart – just curious.”

With 46% of attendees in Year 8 – a critical age for identity formation – the event was strategically timed to leave a lasting impact. And it did.

Representation and Real Role Models

The event concluded with a powerful Q&A panel of five women in STEM, streamed live across states. Speakers from CSIRO, Telstra, ANZ, Women in Technology, and Advanced Navigation shared their personal journeys – making the pathways visible and attainable.

“Seeing all these women doing cool tech jobs showed me I could do it too,” said one Year 6 participant. Another reflected, “I didn’t know girls like me could be engineers. Now I feel like I could be anything.”

With over 50% of students identifying as First Nations or from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, representation mattered deeply.

Community-Driven, Industry-Supported

The day wouldn’t have been possible without the support of:

  • 22 engaged industry partners
  • 11 university mentors
  • 9 participating schools
  • 260 packed lunches (plus popcorn, fairy floss and healthy snacks!)

One sponsor’s drone-delivered STEM merch stole the show, creating waves of excitement. The logistics, safety and coordination were praised across the board.

Industry Partners

Results

  • 97% of students said they learned something new.
  • 95% want to return.
  • 83% said it changed their perspective on STEM.
  • 99% of teachers said it was a great way to learn and want to return in 2026.

CSIRO’s Contribution

CSIRO’s robotics team delivered engaging simulations and spoke with students about career pathways in disaster response, automation, and real-world problem-solving. Our researchers were proud to stand alongside other female leaders, offering advice, encouragement, and real-world examples of careers in STEM.

A Lasting Impact

Beyond the numbers, this event left deep emotional resonance – with students, educators, and industry professionals alike. One teacher noted, “It’s so valuable to have these conversations outside the classroom. The students remember it all year.”

Girls Day Out in STEM 2025 wasn’t just a day. It was a launchpad for possibility, a memory-maker, and a moment of transformation for girls who now see STEM as a place where they belong.