Altis tackling STEM gender gap through high school IgniteHer program

Original article appeared on 20 October 2025 and written by Sasha Karen for ARN.

Altis Consulting is striving to level the playing field in bringing women into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers early through its high school-focused IgniteHer program.

Already held at two schools in Sydney — Mitchell High School in Blacktown and St John Paul II Catholic College in Schofields and Nirimba —the program provides insights for girls from Year 9 onwards into the benefits of a career in consulting, the types of university degrees that lead to data and analytics-related careers and the available pathways.

It also includes personal stories from female technical consultants on why they chose to work in data and analytics, as well as hands-on activities that introduce students to the fundamentals of data.

The program was started out of a recognition that many young girls aren’t aware of the opportunities available to them in STEM, according to Altis Consulting chief people officer Charmaine Loratet.

Citing the federal government’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources’ Youth in STEM report 2023-24, Loratet said 74 per cent of girls aged 12 to 13 reported confidence in technology but drops to 48 per cent in the 14 to 17 age group.

Additionally, she also said 22 per cent of girls were likely to aspire to a career in STEM, nearly half of the percentage for boys at 43 per cent.

“When we looked at the data, and at our own industry, it was clear that the number of females progressing into STEM-related degrees and careers was not high enough to create sustainable gender balance,” she said. 

“Rather than waiting for change, we wanted to be part of driving it. IgniteHer was our way of bridging that awareness gap, by connecting female professionals in STEM with high school girls, providing visibility into real career paths, and showing that these roles are not only attainable but exciting and rewarding. 

“The program is about sparking curiosity early, breaking stereotypes, and giving girls the confidence to see themselves in technology and data careers. Our goal is to help build a more diverse, inclusive pipeline for the future, starting with awareness and inspiration.”

Mitchell High School mathematics and STEM teacher Samuel Chappuis said the program helped students see STEM as more accessible and achievable.

“Hearing personal stories from STEM professionals made career paths feel more tangible. The session broadened their understanding of the variety of careers and pathways available,” he said.