28 students from Portlaoise College were recently awarded a Level 6 Certificate in 21st Century Digital Skills from Maynooth University.
This achievement was part of the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme, which aims to address disparities in access to STEM careers among girls in Irish secondary schools.
The graduates are: Nada Alhariri, Natalia Benedikova, Lucy Carlin, Kamelija Cirule, Orlagh Creery, Eire Delaney, Niamh Donaghy, Bronwyn Farrell, Jaela Halberstadt, Abbie Maher, Jessica Maher, Ciara McComish Day, Aoife Morris, Sarah O’Reilly, Nicola Owczarek, Chloe Palco, Ellen Peacock, Molly Piekarska, Nikolina Rakanovic, Sophie Robertson, Saoirse Scully, Jessica Sescu, Monika Szymanska, Taralyte Arneta, Kyla Walsh, Jessica Witek, Wiktoria Wolanin, and Sorcha Wright Twomey.
The STEM Passport for Inclusion is a collaborative initiative by Maynooth University, Microsoft Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland, and the Department of Education.
It combines an educational qualification with support and mentoring from industry professionals, creating pathways for students to progress to higher education and pursue STEM qualifications.
Research has shown that students who participated in the programme are more likely to consider careers in technology, engineering, and related fields, helping to close the gender and socio-economic gaps in STEM professions.
The graduates now have 50 Leaving Cert Points when applying to STEM courses in Maynooth, ATU and MTU.
Daryl Egan is the guidance counsellor at Portlaoise College and a Professional Learning Leader on OIDE’s Guidance Team.
Speaking at the graduation, Mr Egan called it a “proud moment,” which he said recognised the ‘dedication, effort and passion that brought (the students) to complete the programme.”
Noel Daly, Principal of Portlaoise College, added: “We are proud of our students’ dedication and hard work.
“Their success reflects the effectiveness of initiatives like the STEM Passport for Inclusion in promoting educational advancement.
“The programme has given the students not only practical skills but also confidence in their ability to pursue further studies in STEM.
“The commitment of the staff – Ms Cullen, Mr Egan, Ms Kelly, and Mr Kenny – as well as the students, were recognised through our receipt of one of the Outstanding School Engagement Awards.”
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