Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) have an important role to play in Australia’s future, but Australia has been experiencing declining school enrolments and performance in STEM subjects. This report presents evaluation findings for a Commonwealth Department of Education, Skills and Employment initiative aimed at progressing Australia's innovation and science agenda, the STEM Professionals in Schools Program. The program connects teachers and STEM professionals in partnerships that focus on STEM education and activities. Its purpose is to share knowledge, build teacher capability and enhance the student learning experience in STEM. Goals include increasing student knowledge and interest in STEM subjects and fostering their awareness and interest in future STEM courses and careers.

This impact evaluation investigates the extent to which the program is delivering on expected outcomes and how it is evolving in response to key challenges and lessons learned. The evaluation utilised a mixed methods approach incorporating longitudinal surveys, in-depth case studies (including a student survey), a program team survey, and extensive documentation review. The evaluation focused on the program’s quality, impact, effectiveness and efficiency.

The evaluation found the program had delivered at a fair level on the quality aspects reviewed. These had focused on the engagement of stakeholders and the delivery of sustainable partnerships and program through sound program management. The program performed best in terms of delivering benefits to direct and indirect program recipients. The greatest impact was with teachers and in the broader community where there was a good level of benefits. There were also consistent indications of a fair level of benefits to STEM professionals, and students, including increased engagement.

Opportunities were noted for improving understanding of, and data collection for, the different partnership models to gain deeper insights into how these may impact on other program aspects such as partnership and program sustainability or the attainment of benefits. The report makes six recommendations for program improvement.