THE PORT ADELAIDE Football Club is teaming with Saab Australia (Saab) to inspire the next generation into studies that will lead them to careers in STEM.

Centring on the club’s long-running Community Youth Program, the partnership with Saab Australia will see Saab graduates attend schools with Port Adelaide players and staff of the club’s not-for-profit community arm - Power Community Limited - to deliver interactive STEM lessons.

Saab graduates will share their knowledge of pathways to a STEM career to encourage students to pursue their passions, while leading a STEM-themed activity through the Community Youth Program’s work booklet and its interactive virtual classroom.

Power Community Limited General Manager Jake Battifuoco said the partnership would enhance CYP’s educational offering.

“Saab Australia is an industry leader when it comes to development and delivery of complex solutions for defence, cyber and space – industries which play such a significant role in South Australia,” Mr Battifuoco said.

“To have that sort of knowledge supporting CYP’s STEM lessons will no doubt encourage the next generation of engineers or project managers to follow that path and take up jobs in the state’s continued reputation for delivery of defence jobs and career opportunities.

“We look forward to working together with Saab through CYP and some of our other community programs.”

As part of the partnership, Saab will deliver a workshop at the club’s Santos Aboriginal Power Cup Leadership and Careers Conference, and participate in the employment exhibitions at both the Santos Aboriginal Power Cup and Power Intercultural Program carnivals.

“Our partnership with Port Adelaide’s Community Youth Program provides a valuable platform to give the next generation an insight into where a career in STEM can take you,” said Saab Australia Managing Director, Andy Keough.

“This partnership will encompass two of three streams of Saab’s Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, including STEM support and Indigenous community support. We look forward to realising the opportunities this partnership will bring, as we work together to encourage students to get excited about STEM and provide our staff with an opportunity to engage with our South Australian Indigenous community.”