Scholarships a boost for women in STEM

Two engineering students from Curtin University in Western Australia have received a significant boost to help with their studies, thanks to the Alcoa Bev Corless Women in Engineering Scholarship program.

The scholarships were announced to coincide with International Women in Engineering Day on 23 June 2025.

Ayesha Wasim and Jorja Hinson-Tolchard will each receive $20,000 in funding to assist with their engineering studies over the next two years, while also gaining the opportunity to complete work experience at Alcoa’s bauxite mines and alumina refineries south of Perth. 

Fourth year Honours student Ayesha is undertaking a double degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Computer Science. She said from an early age, she had been fascinated by the ways in which technology could solve real-world problems. 

“This curiosity has evolved into a deep interest in control systems and engineering innovation,” Ayesha said. 

“The scholarship is more than financial support – it represents a vote of confidence in my potential, allowing me to focus on my studies, pursue hands-on learning opportunities, and to dedicate time to mentoring.

“It also serves as a constant reminder of the profound purpose behind my journey – to dismantle barriers and cultivate a future in which women in engineering are no longer the exception but the norm.”

In her second year, Jorja, who is undertaking an Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering, says her passion for engineering was ignited in Year 11 when she participated in Curtin’s Girls+ Engineering Tomorrow (GET) Program. 

“The program offered hands-on workshops, study support, and opportunities to meet engineering role models from university and industry,” Jorja said.

While Jorja’s ultimate goal is to work in the aerospace industry, she sees the parallels with mining and says she looks forward to the opportunities to gain work experience with Alcoa.

“An aspect of the scholarship that excites me is that it will provide connections to mentors who can guide me when I need assistance and help me develop a professional network,” she said. 

The added benefits of an Alcoa Bev Corless Women in Engineering Scholarship have been realised by 2023 recipient Shannon Henderson, who is completing the final year of her chemical engineering degree. Shannon undertook vacation work with Alcoa and was subsequently retained on a casual basis while completing her studies. She will move into a full-time role through Alcoa’s graduate program after completing her degree this year. 

Alcoa Australia President Elsabe Muller said she applauded the two recipients for pursuing engineering and excelling in their respective fields of study. 

“I am so excited to see the growth in numbers of women undertaking study in engineering and other related disciplines,” Ms Muller said. 

“Having spent the bulk of my own career working in mining, I have first-hand experience of the added challenges that can arise for women in these traditionally male-dominated industries.

“One of the things that attracted me to Alcoa was the company’s concerted focus on diversity and inclusion. We’ve been recognised as an Employer of Choice by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency for the past 23 years and supporting initiatives such as the Bev Corless Women in Engineering Scholarship program is one way we can continue to champion our focus on gender equity and equality.

“There is still work to be done across many industries and organisations, but I have great confidence that the future is in very good hands when I see the exceptionally talented women completing STEM studies and moving into the workforce.”