71 Students in Carlow Benefit from STEM Passport for Inclusion Initiative

 Maynooth University, in partnership with Microsoft Ireland, Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland and the Department of Education, has published the STEM Passport for Inclusion Impact Report which reveals that over 5,000 students from disadvantaged backgrounds have participated in the initiative to date. Notably, 76% of these students are now considering a career in STEM. The report states that 71 students from schools in Carlow have participated in the initiative since 2021.  

The All-Ireland STEM Passport for Inclusion programme is a joint initiative by Maynooth University, Microsoft Ireland, Research Ireland and the Department of Education that addresses inequalities with access to STEM careers among post-primary school students in socially disadvantaged communities. Initially developed as a pilot in 2021, the programme was expanded nationwide in December 2023.  

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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.  

Since its launch, over 5,370 female students from DEIS schools in all four provinces have been engaged, with 50% of participants from rural areas. In Carlow, students who have participated have benefitted from mentorship and educational support from 1,100 industry mentors who have delivered 2,524 mentoring hours. The outcome has been that students from 117 DEIS schools around Ireland have been empowered to graduate with a university accredited STEM qualification while still in post-primary school.  

STEM Impact Recommendations

Expand the Programme Across All DEIS Schools: Secure funding to implement the programme in every DEIS school in Ireland - ensure nationwide access to STEM education for disadvantaged students.

Provide Necessary Resources to DEIS Schools: Many schools lacked the resources to fully participate in the programme. Supplying these institutions with loaned technology, mobile lab kits, and internet support would help bridge this resource gap.

Introduce Funded STEM Work Experience Programmes: Partner with industry to provide work experiences to enhance real-world learning and skill development. This initiative would be particularly valuable for DEIS students, who often lack exposure to STEM career pathways.

Fund Longitudinal Research on Programme Impact: Invest in further comprehensive research so stakeholders can gain insights into long-term outcomes, enabling data-driven improvements and enhancing the programme’s sustainability.

More details on the programme can be found at: STEM Passport for Inclusion | Maynooth University.