UNSW and Baidam team up on First Nations lifetime scholarships
UNSW and Baidam partner to fund two First Nations STEM scholarships each year in perpetuity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at UNSW.
Baidam, Australia’s leading First Nations information technology provider, and UNSW Sydney, Australia’s leading university, have today announced a new endowed scholarship for First Nations students at UNSW. Through matching contributions from both organisations, the partnership will fund two scholarships each year in perpetuity.
The announcement, made at an exclusive event at UNSW and aligning with National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day, represents a long-term commitment from both organisations. UNSW has matched Baidam’s initial scholarship contribution with a second First Nations scholarship in perpetuity.
The new scholarship will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students undertaking STEM degrees at UNSW by helping reduce financial barriers to study and create pathways into Australia’s growing technology sector. The initiative reflects a shared commitment between Baidam and UNSW to increasing Indigenous participation in STEM education and careers.
The UNSW scholarship is the latest in a series of STEM scholarships across Australia funded in full or part by Indigenous-owned Baidam, an award-winning profit-with-purpose cybersecurity business. The scholarship will last the duration of the student’s chosen technology course, enabling the recipient to study without distraction.
“Our goal is to help bridge the disparity gap between non-Indigenous and First Nations Peoples by allowing for more Indigenous involvement in the national technology community,” says Beau Hodge, CEO of Baidam. “It’s a win not only for Indigenous students trying to establish a meaningful, well-paid career, but for an industry that’s desperately short of trained resources.”
Previous scholarships include Edith Cowan University (WA), Australian National University (ACT) and University of Queensland (QLD).
“UNSW have been incredibly engaged with and supportive of our First Nations scholarship initiative,” says Hodge, “to the extent that they’ve effectively doubled the impact by adding a second scholarship. These perpetual scholarships create a real pathway for First Nations students who want a career in the technology sector through UNSW. We’ve been incredibly impressed with how UNSW actively supports opportunities for Indigenous students to study and has generated awareness and engagement with local schools, communities, and businesses.”
UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous, Professor Leanne Holt said the scholarships would help create lasting opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students pursuing careers in STEM.
“We are proud to partner with Baidam on this enduring commitment to First Nations students. Together, we're creating pathways into industries where Indigenous voices, knowledge and leadership are needed now more than ever.”
UNSW’s official announcement was officiated by Professor Leanne Holt at its Nura Gili centre and included a smoking ceremony and a ‘Welcome to Country.’