In an exciting move designed to help close the tech talent gap, HEX and the Toyota Community Trust are launching an innovative education program, ‘Highway to STEM’, a program that demystifies STEM career pathways for female and non-binary students from regional schools. 

This isn't just another education program – we hope it’s the beginning of a movement to reshape the future of STEM leadership in Australia.

And we’re inviting schools and parents nationwide to join for FREE.

The Vision: 1,000 New STEM Leaders

Aiming to empower over 1,000 female and non-binary secondary students across regional Australia, this initiative represents a significant investment in regional STEM education. 

The program addresses a crucial gap: while regional Australia makes up 28% of our population, representation in STEM careers remains significantly lower, particularly among female and non-binary individuals.

As of 2023, the gender disparity in STEM remains stark: women comprise just 15% of the STEM workforce. Even more concerning, qualified women in Australian STEM positions face a substantial wage gap, earning up to 42% less than men in equivalent roles.

Our initiative is uniquely positioned to address this challenge, supported by Toyota Community Trust. This partnership brings decades of industry expertise, real-world technological applications, and a deep understanding of future workforce needs. Toyota's commitment to innovation and education aligns perfectly with our mission to prepare the next generation of tech leaders.

Why Now? 

The Australian digital economy stands at a critical crossroads.

 By 2030, we'll need 1.2 million tech workers to maintain our competitive edge and drive innovation across all sectors. With 75% of future jobs requiring STEM skills, we cannot afford to wait – regional students, in particular, need immediate access to cutting-edge education to ensure they're not left behind in this rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Why Us?

At HEX, empowering women in technology isn't just what we do - it's who we are. 

From teenage students to adult entrepreneurs, we've been at the forefront of transforming how women see their future in innovation and technology. Our commitment to women in tech is demonstrated through multiple impactful initiatives:

• In 2019, HEX was selected as a key delivery partner of Monash University, working alongside Victoria Space Science Education Centre to train over 300 year 10 girls on Internet of Things & entrepreneurship, and provide STEM mentorship to 40 female IT university students.
• Our CEO, Jeanette Cheah, has been a proud speaker, mentor, and supporter of women-centric communities, including the Creative Cooperative "Anyone Can" pre-accelerator for women of colour, League of Extraordinary Women, and Code Like a Girl.
• We've been a sponsor and mentor of Microsoft's "Code Without Barriers" hackathon program in 2023-2024.
• We've been selected by Enterprising Girls & Women to deliver FREE enterprise and tech education to over 500 young women across Australia, with strong support from the Australian Government's Future Female Entrepreneurs Program.
• We’ve been a proud partner of Camberwell Girls Grammar School in 2024 — a prestigious institution with a century-long legacy of empowering young women in Melbourne.
• Reflecting our commitment to diversity, 58% of HEX alumni are women or non-binary learners.

What truly sets us apart is our distinctive approach that blends academic rigour through university-accredited programs, real industry connections, and a learning style that resonates with Gen Z.

Our philosophy is simple but powerful: educating teenage girls is one of the most effective ways to change the world. We've seen it firsthand - when you give young women the right tools, mentorship, and opportunities, they don't just participate in STEM - they revolutionise it.

Now, powered by Toyota, we're taking this proven formula on the road. We're bringing our award-winning methodology directly to regional Australia because we believe every young woman deserves the chance to see herself as a future STEM leader.

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Program Dates

Autumn Workshops: 

• Online Program: February – April, 2025
• In-Person Program: March – April, 2025

Winter Workshops: 

• Online Program: July – September, 2025
• In-Person Program: July – August, 2025

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If you’re an education provider looking to establish a similar partnership, reach out to our team today for a chat.

If you’re a Western Sydney University student looking to explore funding, make sure to submit your application for eligibility.

About the Toyota Community Trust 

The aim of the Trust is to leave a legacy that will provide long term benefits to the Australian community by encouraging and enabling more young Australians to pursue further study and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). 

About HEX

HEX is an Australian-based education futures company that delivers industry-backed, university-accredited programs to prepare students for future careers in tech and innovation.

We're leading innovation in the high school and university space in Australia and have been recognised as a Top 100 Innovator by the Australian and as a finalist in the AFR Higher Education Awards.

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