Western Sydney University
‘The University is delighted to partner with Powerhouse Parramatta and the Walker Family Foundation on this ambitious project, which will create life-changing opportunities for the young people of Western Sydney and regional NSW for generations to come.’
Western Sydney University (WSU) is the Foundation University Partner of Powerhouse Parramatta, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of Australian innovators, scientists and entrepreneurs.
As supporting partner of the Lang Walker Family Academy at Powerhouse Parramatta, WSU is contributing funding for the building and ongoing curriculum expertise delivery for exciting Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) learning programs for 10,000 students each year.
WSU’s substantial investment will help students from Western Sydney and regional NSW access immersive STEM learning experiences at the museum and an in-school program, both designed to inspire new education and career pathways.
Western Sydney University is also the Principal University Partner of two major Powerhouse Museum programs: Sydney Science Festival and Sydney Design Week.
Sydney Science Festival is Australia’s leading public science program, which has been produced by Powerhouse since 2015. WSU supports several key events during the festival including Family Science Day, panel discussions and symposiums featuring the University’s academics and research fellows.
Sydney Design Week aims to make design accessible and engaging to new audiences. WSU collaborates with Powerhouse curators, facilitating design tours, expert talks and industry engagement.
‘Western Sydney University has been a close partner of the Powerhouse for many years. This generous partnership will see Western Sydney University have a home at Powerhouse Parramatta, creating collaborative ties with research, industry placements and programming as the Foundation University Partner for the museum.’
Western Sydney University has committed $10 million to Powerhouse Parramatta confirming its place as the museum’s Foundation University Partner. The multi-year strategic partnership aims to secure success for students and engage communities in Greater Western Sydney through leading science and technology exhibitions, programs and research projects.
‘We know that harnessing school students’ early interest in science, technology, engineering and maths, creatively engaging more young people from diverse geographic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds in STEM and inspiring future generations to actively pursue STEM-related education and careers are all vital for the knowledge economy and Australia’s technological future.’
Powerhouse Parramatta will be home to two significant venues named for Western Sydney University in recognition of its multi-year partnership with the museum: WSU Gallery and WSU Library.
WSU Gallery is the epitome of space versatility within Powerhouse Parramatta. Housed on the first level of the new museum, it features a retractable seating bank with capacity to seat 800 people when in use as a venue for symposiums, forums by WSU Scholar-in-Residence and other presentations for large groups. When the seating bank is retracted the 1200m2 space can be reconfigured for exhibitions, programs and performances.
The partnership also creates career-enhancing opportunities for the University’s staff and researchers, including joint research between academics and Powerhouse curators, an annual Scholar in Residence, and development of STEM learning programs. Powerhouse has committed to 30 industry placement positions for selected WSU students each year as part of their course requirements, including cadetships, internships, and mentorship programs.
The University’s generous support of the Lang Walker Family Academy creates a much-needed springboard for 10,000 students from Western Sydney and regional NSW into Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths learning. High school students participating in the Lang Walker Family Academy will also be presented with practical pathways into tertiary studies at WSU.
Foundation University
Building Parramatta
Powerhouse Parramatta is being realised through the generosity, support and collaboration of the NSW Government, foundations, agencies, businesses and individuals for the community.
Donate
Powerhouse relies on the generosity and collaborations to deliver world class exhibitions and education programs for our communities.