Opportunities for Supporters of PICSE

PICSE is funded, not by “in-kind” contributions, but by financial investment at a range of levels. Our Business Case identified the major investors as the:

  1. Federal Government (DEEWR, DAFF and DIISR)
  2. National Rural Research and Development Corporations, CRCs, Centres of Excellence, as well as national Agribusiness
  3. Universities and their local industries and communities

The delivery of PICSE outcomes is funded by investments from groups 1 and 2, which match investments from group 3. For example, the base level cash contribution from a university (group 3) of $50,000 pa will be matched with $50,000 drawn from PICSE National funds (groups 1 and 2).

At the National level, the investors from groups 1 and 2 above negotiate with PICSE National to design a three year compact or MOU that addresses the required outcomes for both parties.

Nationally, there are three levels of investment:

  1. Partner Investor (such as GRDC) that invests $100-150,000 / year,
  2. Participant Investor (such as HAL and universities) that invests $50-100,000 / year
  3. Supporter Investor (such as CRDC) that invests $20-50,000 / year.

At the local Activity Centre level, Supporter Investors such as local businesses might invest $2-20,000 pa, to achieve the outcomes commensurate with the level of cash investment. Some local examples of support are:

  1. Provision of a major student prize at the Science Investigation Awards ($1,000)
  2. Naming sponsor for a teacher or student Travelling Scholarship ($2,000)
  3. Badging of an Industry Placement Scholarship ($2,500)
  4. Promotion of the local industry during the illustrated class talks to students ($3,000)
  5. Engagement with science teachers during the annual PD days ($3,500)
  6. Major sponsor of the Teachers’ PD session and Dinner ($4,000)
  7. Industry participation in the production of the Teacher Resource ($5,000)

Local Activity Centres can customise a package of a mix of the above opportunities for support.