Charles Sturt University (CSU) has signed on as an official industry partner of the state-wide STEM Industry Schools Partnership (SISP) program - an initiative of the NSW Department of Education.

Regional Development Australia (RDA) has been associated with the SISP Program since its inception and has assisted in the development of numerous partnerships such as CSU.

As the nation's COVID-19 focus turns to easing restrictions and reopening the economy, this new partnership is forward-focused and committed to inspiring and creating the nation's future STEM workforce through industry engagement and partnership.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professionals strive to understand how the world works and to solve its problems. The consistent stream of new challenges creates a constant demand for the thought-leadership of STEM experts.

CSU will collaborate with the SISP team to explore ways of incorporating a range of STEM topics into the program such as computer fundamentals, programming logic design, embedded systems, cyber security fundamentals, signal and systems, software programming and coding, robotics, and mathematics for computing.

STEM Industry School Partnerships (SISP) Program, project leader Dr Scott Sleap, welcomed CSU as an official industry partner, a milestone that expanded on its established relationship.

"Our industry partnership with Charles Sturt University will generate valuable benefits for the Port Macquarie region, and other SISP regions such as the Central West and Riverina," Dr Sleap said.

"Through the connection of education with industry, the SISP program provides an educational model that engages students, inspires them to study STEM and prepares them for challenging and interesting STEM careers.

"The SISP program also aims to build the confidence of teachers and their capacity to deliver integrated STEM education programs; as well as directly impacting the growth and readiness of the STEM workforce for current and future industries."

Charles Sturt University director of external engagement, Kate Wood-Foye, said CSU was excited to collaborate with the SISP program and contribute to the development of the next generation of STEM leaders.

"Charles Sturt University is a community-minded organisation with strong links to industry, government, and other educational organisations. We're committed to improving economic and social well-being and creating sustainable ecosystems for future generations," she said.

Charles Sturt Executive Dean Professor Tracey Green confirms the importance of the program.

"Through this exciting partnership with the STEM Industry School Partnerships (SISP) program, our leading academics will provide professional learning to support regional teachers and extend real-world STEM opportunities for students of the program.

"We value this opportunity and look forward to collaborating with content identification and development for the iTeachSTEM website," Professor Green said.

RDA Mid North Coast Pathways Officer and SISP Industry Liaison Officer, Steve Montgomery, said Charles Sturt's commitment as an industry partner was significant.

"Students in our region will be afforded rich opportunities and an equalised space to explore STEM-related careers and pursuit of STEM study."