The Global Tropics Future (GTF) project is a unique partnership between the Department of Education (DoE) and James Cook University (JCU), with the vision and drive to achieve improvements in education outcomes and workforce participation in Tropical and North Queensland.

Thuringowa State High School leads the collaboration with James Cook University and aims to boost student engagement and achievement in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The project enables like-minded students to connect, collaborate and explore their STEM interest and passion through a range of enriching and challenging learning opportunities.

Students engaged with the GTF project are collectively known as the Global Tropics Future Young Scholars. With the goal of developing 21st century skills (problem solving, inquiry, critical thinking, creativity and collaboration), the Young Scholars build their STEM portfolio through a blended model of delivery via virtual (Queensland Virtual STEM Academy) and face-to-face learning that incorporates emerging sciences and current global STEM problems.