DXC donates 100 laptops to boost STEM learning in Northern Territory

DXC Technology has partnered with Charles Darwin University's Radicle Centre and several organisations to launch new STEM and digital literacy initiatives for students in the Northern Territory.

The collaboration involves DXC, LiteHaus International, Viva Energy Australia (Shell Licensee), Penske Australia & New Zealand, and NT Cricket. Collectively, these partners have outlined a strategy to deliver hands-on STEM workshops in schools, award scholarships for university students, and arrange work placements at both CDU and DXC's Regional Delivery Centre in Adelaide.

As part of its Digital Futures Program, DXC Technology has donated 100 laptops to five academic institutions across Darwin: Nightcliff Middle School, Dripstone Middle School, Sanderson Middle School, Palmerston College, and Charles Darwin University. This move is intended to increase access to technology and improve digital literacy for students in the region.

STEM education focus

Students have participated in full-day immersive learning activities at Hidden Valley Raceway and DXC Arena, where they engaged in trackside STEM tasks, observed Shell V-Power Racing Team engineers at work, and attended a cultural session with Indigenous artist Kurun Warun.

Through the partnership, four STEM workshops have already been conducted by CDU's Radicle Centre, focusing on topics such as wearable technology in sport, artificial intelligence in sports, the science behind high-performance vehicles, and the future of driverless transport. CDU plans to use the donated laptops to expand the reach of STEM programs, particularly in remote First Nations communities.

"DXC is committed to reducing barriers and contributing to the educational success of Territorians. None of this would be possible without the commitment and shared vision of all partners to help students be work-ready and achieve better life outcomes. Our goal with the newly announced collaboration with CDU is to ultimately provide a seamless transition from classrooms to careers," said Seelan Nayagam, President, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, DXC Technology.

DXC's scholarships for CDU students starting in 2026 will support both Certificate IV and Bachelor of Information Technology programs, with work experience offered at university and the DXC Technology Regional Delivery Centre in Adelaide.

Industry and government engagement

Students involved in the program were welcomed at Hidden Valley Raceway by the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, Lia Finocchiaro, along with Ministers Jinson Charls and Marie-Clare Boothby. They also interacted with experts and engineers from the Shell V-Power Racing Team, and learned about AI and technology applications in sports from NT Cricket's Pathways and Development Coach.

The hands-on approach continued at DXC Arena, home to NT Cricket, where students were able to apply lessons from the workshops during practical sessions in the cricket nets.

Partner perspectives

Dr Carla Eisemberg, Director of Charles Darwin University's Radicle Centre for Science and Technology Engagement, said, "Charles Darwin University's (CDU) partnership with DXC Technology is a powerful example of how universities and industry can work together to create meaningful opportunities for Territory students. These laptops will make a real difference in how we deliver STEM education, particularly in remote First Nations communities, where access to technology can be a major barrier. CDU is committed to sparking curiosity and confidence in STEM from an early age - and with this support from DXC, we can reach more young people and help them imagine a future in science and technology."

David Noble, Chief Executive Officer, Shell V-Power Racing Team, commented, "We're proud to continue our involvement in DXC Technology's Digital Futures Program in 2025, building on the strong foundation laid in previous years. This initiative remains a key pillar of our growing community engagement efforts, bringing together schools, government and our partners to create a lasting impact. This year's collaboration will see 100 laptops delivered to students – and we thank our loyal partners for their contribution this year to help students reach their potential in the Northern Territory. On behalf of the Shell V-Power Racing Team, I extend our sincere thanks to Viva Energy Australia, DXC Technology and Penske Australia and New Zealand for their continued support. We're excited about the future of this program and are committed to growing it further in the years ahead."

Gavin Dovey, CEO of NT Cricket, noted, "We're thrilled to again be collaborating with DXC's Digital Futures Program and extend our impact beyond the cricket field and into classrooms here in the Northern Territory. For us this week is all about partnerships, connection and collaboration, and what is possible when you give people opportunity. We could not be prouder to have a major partner like DXC Technology who continue to show up for us, our community and the next generation of Territorians."

Andrew Egan, General Manager Customer & Marketing, Viva Energy Australia (Shell Licensee), said, "We are excited to deepen our commitment to DXC's Digital Futures programme in 2025 with the donation of 78 laptops. Providing access to technology is crucial in opening doors to education and career opportunities, and we are proud to support a program that continues to make a meaningful difference in communities in need."

Andrew Kerridge, General Manager, IT, Penske Australia and New Zealand, stated, "Penske Australia and New Zealand is proud to support the DXC Digital Futures Program once again. We believe in the power of technology to transform lives and are committed to providing resources that help bridge the digital divide. This partnership with Shell V-Power Racing Team aligns with our values of caring and making a positive impact on our community. We look forward to seeing the difference these laptops will make in the lives of the young learners."

Mina McCarthy, Assistant Director, School Improvement, NT Department of Education, added, "This is the third consecutive year we have partnered with DXC Technology through their Digital Futures Program. The laptop donations to schools continue to enhance the digital literacy opportunities for our students. This year the program has extended to four middle schools and included STEM workshops with a focus on Technology and AI in sports. Students have also had the opportunity to go trackside and participate in workshops linking the learning at school with real-life experience. Feedback from students who have been involved with the Digital Futures Program over the past three years has been positive."

The Digital Futures Program has now delivered more than 2,600 laptops and reached over 26,000 students, providing refurbished technology and STEM learning to educational institutions and community groups throughout the Territory.