Kildare students graduate from STEM Passport for Inclusion Programme

Over 100 students from schools around Kildare have celebrated their graduation from the STEM Passport for Inclusion Programme.

Students from Curragh Post-Primary School, Pipers Hill College, St Farnan's Post Primary School, St Paul's Secondary School, Monasterevin and St. Conleth's Community College have all celebrated their graduation.

They joined over 1,100 students from around the country who graduated from the programme at a series of ceremonies held at both Maynooth University and Microsoft Dream Space in recent weeks.

The All-Ireland STEM Passport for Inclusion Programme is a joint initiative by Maynooth University, Microsoft Ireland, Taighde Éireann-Research Ireland and the Department of Education that addresses inequalities with access to STEM careers among post-primary school students in socially disadvantaged communities.

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Initially developed as a pilot in 2021, the programme was expanded nationwide in December 2023 and today celebrates a new milestone of having engaged over 5,000 female students from DEIS schools in all four provinces.

The programme's innovative approach, which combines a recognised qualification (Level 6 NFQ), education supports, and mentoring from industry role models, provides a unique pathway for female students to progress to third level education and achieve a STEM qualification.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony Professor Katriona O’Sullivan, founder of the programme and Digital Skills Lecturer at Maynooth University, said: “We are incredibly proud to celebrate the graduation of these remarkable students. The programme has provided them with a unique opportunity to pursue their passion, breaking down barriers and unlocking their potential in STEM fields.

“We’re excited to see where their journey will take them next and we’re confident that the skills and knowledge they have gained will empower them to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination.”

Microsoft is the STEM Passport for Inclusion’s lead industry partner, having contributed €600,000 in match funding to date.

In addition, Microsoft’s Dream Space education team co-designed the Level 6-accredited (NFQ) STEM Passport module and has supported the delivery of the STEM Passport curriculum to participating students in Dream Space venues in both Dublin and Belfast.

More than 300 of Microsoft’s employees are actively supporting the STEM Passport for Inclusion mentoring programme, alongside other educators and representatives from over 180 private and public sector organisations.

Reflecting on the impact of the programme, James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Leader and Corporate Vice President Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre, said: “At Microsoft, we’re very proud of our longstanding collaboration with Maynooth University and the role our team has played in supporting the design and delivery of the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme since its launch in 2021.

“I’d like to congratulate all those who have graduated from the programme – their hard work, dedication and passion for learning has brought them to this significant milestone. I’m confident that the future of STEM in Ireland is bright and that many of our graduates will make a significant impact in this field, becoming our STEM leaders of the future.

“I would also like to take a moment to recognise the incredible support that has been provided to the students by Professor Katriona O’Sullivan, the STEM Passport for Inclusion team, their teachers and industry mentors, more than 300 of which are Microsoft employees who have dedicated their time and expertise to mentor and inspire the students.”