WILD PROGRAM
At WILD for STEM, we’re committed to supporting women in their leadership ambitions.
The WILD Program is a national leadership program created to advance the careers of women in STEM and elevate their leadership journey.
Each year, our program provides up to 30 STEM women with the network, skills, and qualifications they need to move into senior leadership and board roles.
In addition to gaining practical, actionable experience, the WILD Program offers participants the opportunity to receive their AICD Company Directors Course qualification alongside a cohort of diverse and driven STEM peers.
Program Overview
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- AICD Company Directors Course: A five-day course run by the Australian Institute of Company Directors covering governance, board effectiveness, risk and strategy, legal, and finance.
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- WILD Leadership Retreat: A collaborative learning experience alongside a cohort of like-minded women. Topics of focus include STEM leadership, effective communication, and influence.
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- Board Observership Experience: Real-world boardroom experience to put governance training into practice. Each participant observers a board meeting and attends a debrief session.
WILD PROGRAM Benefits
DIRECTOR TRAINING
Complete the globally recognised AICD Company Directors Course
LEADERSHIP TRAINING
Three-day professionally facilitated leadership skills retreat
BOARD OBSERVERSHIP
Real-world board observership experience
MASTERCLASSES & NETWORKING
Digital and in-person trainig and networking events
COMMUNITY
Growing WILD alumni community, nationally and locally
Find out more
For partnership enquiries contact anna@wildforstem.com
For general program enquiries contact hello@wildforstem.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply to the WILD Program?
The WILD Program is designed for female and non-binary STEM leaders who are seeking to build governance skills and experience, enhance leadership skills and connect with other leaders in STEM.
Eligibility criteria includes:
- Qualifications, or extensive practical experience, in a STEM field (sciences, technology, engineering or mathematics),
- More than three years professional or leadership experience in a STEM field, and
- Current employment* in a professional or leadership role in a STEM field.
* Your eligibility should not be affected if you are between roles, self-employed, on maternity leave or a career break. In the Application Form, you’ll be asked to briefly outline your circumstances and/or provide details of your most recent role.
What is the time commitment associated with participating in the WILD Program?
The WILD Program requires a commitment of approximately six weeks over the course of the program. A significant portion of this time, approximately 3-4 weeks, will be dedicated to completing the AICD Company Directors Course. This includes extensive pre-reading (available six weeks prior to the Course commencing), five-days of in-person Course delivery, as well as post-Course study and assessments.
Participants will also need to allocate time to organise and participate in the Board Observership Experience and attend the three-day WILD Leadership Retreat (plus travel).
Participants may also choose to attend additional WILD for STEM’s in-person and virtual events and masterclasses.
What is the AICD Company Directors Course?
The AICD Company Directors Course is Australia’s premier governance program delivered by the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). This five-day intensive course is designed for current and aspiring directors, senior executives and board members, to enhance their understanding of governance, legal obligations, strategy and risk management, financial literacy and board effectiveness.
As part of the WILD Program, participants complete the Company Directors Course in-person, as a cohort, and are required to complete the Course Assessments (including an assignment, exam, and quiz). WILD Program participants also receive a complimentary 12-month membership * to the AICD.
Upon successful completion of the Assessments, WILD Program participants can earn the prestigious GAICD (Graduate of the AICD) post-nominal.
* Complimentary membership applies to new members only.
Do I need to complete the assessments associated with the AICD Company Directors Course?
Yes. All WILD Program participants are expected to complete the assessments associated with the AICD Company Directors Course. These include an assignment, exam and quiz, which must all be completed within three-months of the last day of delivery of the AICD Company Directors Course. The delivery and assessments of the AICD Company Directors Course are independently managed by the AICD.
Please note that extensions are very rarely granted by the AICD, and subsequent attempts at assessments (or attempts that are completed outside of the three-month timeframe) will be at participants’ own expense. You can learn more about the AICD Company Directors Course assessments on their website.
Is there any flexibility with AICD Company Director Course dates and location?
Unfortunately, we are not able offer alternative dates or locations for the AICD Company Directors Course. Please consider carefully if you are able to attend the scheduled Company Directors Course prior to applying.
Special consideration will only be granted under extenuating circumstances, as determined by the AICD.
What is the WILD Leadership Retreat?
The WILD Leadership Retreat is a luxury three-day collaborative learning and networking experience where the WILD Program cohort comes together to build skills in leadership and executive presence, hear from experienced STEM leaders, board directors and alumni, and participate in group activities.
The Retreat provides a unique opportunity for the WILD Program to create new and deep connections with fellow STEM leaders.
For many, the WILD Leadership Retreat is the absolute highlight of the WILD Program calendar!
When will 2026 Program Applications Open?
Scholarship applications are scheduled to open mid-2026.
Check the website and Linkedin page closer to this time for application and program key date announcements.
Can my employer pay for a place in the WILD Program?
Yes, and we encourage you to seek their support! There are two ways an employer can support your participation in the WILD Program – via the competitive Partial Scholarship route, or by becoming a 2026 WILD Program Sponsor.
Contact Anna@wildforstem.com to find out more.
What is the Board Observership Experience?
The Board Observership Experience provides an opportunity for participants to utilise their networks to observe a Board in action. As part of the WILD Program, it is expected that participants will attend at least one Board meeting (plus de-briefing meeting with a Director of that board).
If WILD Program participants are unable to find a board to observe (after multiple attempts), our team can assist in securing an observership.
Can my employer pay for a place in the WILD Program? *downloadable employer & sponsor packs
Yes, and we encourage you to seek their support! There are two ways an employer can support your participation in the WILD Program – via the competitive Partial Scholarship route (as described above), or by becoming a 2025 WILD Program Sponsor.
Partial Scholarships (discounted cost $12,000 + GST)
We encourage employers of Partial Scholarship recipients to pay for all, or part, of the discounted program cost ($12,000 + GST). Our Employer Information Pack is available to download, and outlines the value and benefits of the WILD Program for employers.
2025 WILD Program Sponsor ($30,000 + GST)
Under our Pay-it-Forward sponsorship model, Program Sponsors secure one guaranteed place in the 2025 WILD Program for a nominated employee and supports one full scholarship place for another eligible female leader from within the broader STEM ecosystem. Our Program Sponsors Information Pack is available to download and outlines the value and additional sponsorship benefits (including ESG and marketing opportunities), to share with your Human Resources and/or Marketing teams.
Are there any additional costs associated with the WILD Program?
All participants are required to arrange and pay for travel and accommodation associated with the AICD Company Directors Course and WILD Leadership Retreat.
All participants receive two nights accommodation and meals at the WILD Leadership Retreat.
How do I apply for a WILD Program scholarship and what is required?
Ready to take on the WILD Program? Applications will open on our website platform in mid-2026.
We’ve simplified the application process for the 2026 WILD Program, but still require you to provide:
- ONE written response (max 300 words) outlining how the WILD Program (specifically) will help you overcome career barriers and/or achieve your career aspirations as a STEM leader.
- SHORT VIDEO (max 90 sec) outlining what makes you an excellent candidate for the WILD Program, and how the WILD Program will support your aspirations to drive impact for Australian STEM industries.
- SHORT CV (max 2-page) that demonstrates your achievements, contributions and leadership potential
- SHORT BIO (max 200 words)
- High-res HEADSHOT
- Your LINKEDIN profile
How will my application be assessed?
All applicants will be considered for Full Scholarships in the first instance. Should you wish to also be considered for a Partial Scholarship place, this can be indicated in the Application Form.
All applications will be assessed against the following Key Selection Criteria:
- VALUE OF PROGRAM: The applicant has articulated how the WILD Program (specifically) will help to address career barriers and / or achieve their career aspirations as a STEM leader.
- ALIGNMENT OF VISION AND CAREER ASPIRATION: The applicant has articulated the value they will bring to the 2025 WILD Program cohort, and how the WILD Program (specifically) will help them to drive impact for Australian STEM industries.
- ACHIEVEMENTS AND LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL: The applicant has demonstrated significant achievements / contributions to their field (relative to opportunity) and significant leadership potential.
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