Students in Kildare reap benefits of STEM programme
Ava Slevin Buckley, Louise Stanley, and Cliondha Brannigan; all from Borrisokane Community College
A REPORT published by Maynooth University shows that 394 Kildare students took part in the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme since 2021.
This programme gives girls from DEIS schools the opportunity to participate in a university-accredited course in STEM. The module, called Introduction to 21st century STEM skills, carries 5 credits at Level 6 and provides them with access to computer science skills, coding, design thinking and generic STEM skills and is accredited in three universities – Maynooth University, Munster Technological University and Atlantic Technological University. Students who complete the module can receive 50 Leaving Cert points towards entry to specific STEM courses in Maynooth University and Munster Technological University.
Ava Kenny, STEM Passport for Inclusion graduate and current third-year science student at Maynooth University, said:
“Before taking part in the STEM Passport for Inclusion I was unsure if I wanted to pursue a college education, let alone pursue a career in STEM. The realm of science seemed distant and unfamiliar to me, and I didn’t know of anyone working in STEM. From my first day in the programme, I was captivated by the many doors a career in STEM could open for me.
“The STEM Passport for Inclusion guided my path into third level education. As I move on to the next stage of my life, I am excited about the prospect of a career in STEM, and I know that the lessons I learned throughout the programme will stand to me.”
The report published on Tuesday 3 December by Maynooth University, in partnership with Microsoft Ireland, Research Ireland and the Department of Education on the impact of the STEM Passport for Inclusion initiative, found that 5,000 students from disadvantaged backgrounds have participated in the initiative to date, with 76 per cent of these students now considering a career in STEM.
Speaking about this, Dr Katriona O’Sullivan, digital skills lecturer at Maynooth University, said: “The publication of the report represents a milestone in the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme. Since its establishment, I have been lucky to see girls complete the programme with a renewed outlook on their potential.”
