STEMM Program

“It takes a village to raise a child”
This old African proverb provides a good basis for measuring the high levels of success of Burnside High School’s STEMM program. The Supporting Teenagers with Education, Mothering and Mentoring program is the first of its kind in Queensland. Development of a unique, stand-alone curriculum enables pregnant girls and young mothers to be supported in achieving their educational goals.

Instead of attending mainstream classes, the STEMM curriculum provides a program tailored around their educational, social, physical and emotional needs in a non-judgmental environment. The program currently has 40 girls participating in this unique educational avenue.

The STEMM program currently runs four days per week from Monday – Thursday. STEMM is located in one building incorporating a teaching classroom (with computer access) and two rooms which operate as adjunct care facilities for the babies and children. This is supported by Playground Australia and the wonderful volunteers who support the girls and bring valuable life skills to the program.

The young mums and their babies can be transported to and from the program in the eleven seater bus purchased through funds raised in 2010.