2026 has kicked off with the usual busy period getting ready for scholarships and camps as per prior years.
Our scholarship applications close on the 15th of April and already we have received nearly 200 applicants. This scholarship year we have new sponsors and categories, thanks to Pantoro, Ora Banda Gold, Zenith and Ausenco for coming on board and enabling us to offer 14 scholarships. Thanks to committee member Chris Croft for stepping in to manage this program.
Our first Get in to Mining camp is set for the 14th to the 17th of April. Applications closed on the 9th of March and we are now selecting our attendees for the first camp. We will also be running a day trip to Christmas Creek again in July, thanks to Fortescue so keep an eye out for this. We will run three extended camps in each of the mid-year school holidays. The July camp dates are set from the 14th to the 17th of July.
A big shout out to our new Digital partner, A Guy I Know, who have enabled a much more technologically advanced application process and streamlined selection process, this has saved a bunch of time and we have noticed a much-improved response level from applicants. Thanks also to our hosts and sponsors who allow us to continue to provide these experiences.
Two new initiatives were launched in 2026.
Our Pit to Pixel program for year 9 students, replacing our WAMC Stem program. This program is delivered in partnership with the CoRE Learning Foundation and commenced in term 1 with two schools on a pilot basis. Applications for semester 2, (Terms 3 and 4) are now open and we are hoping to get 10 schools signed up for the second half of 2026. This program is funded by the WA Mining Club and is free for schools.
Our Near Peer program was also launched in term 1 of the school year. This program connects our scholarship winners and finalists with high schools to present on their journey to a degree in a Resources related discipline to year 11 and 12 students. We have four schools who have signed up for the program and are hoping for a few more.
With all of the above we have a busy year ahead of us and we also have a significant financial commitment to fund these initiatives. As always we are seeking industry and member support for these initiatives. They truly help to raise awareness of our industry in a positive light and educate future generations as to the possibilities our very significant industry offers with respect to careers and opportunities.
