Over 5,000 female students benefit from STEM initiative

More than 5,000 female students have benefited from an initiative that offers pupils from disadvantaged communities a pathway into careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths).

The All-Ireland STEM Passport for Inclusion programme is a joint initiative by Maynooth University, Microsoft Ireland, Research Ireland and the Department of Education.

Initially developed as a pilot in 2021, the programme was expanded nationwide in December 2023.

The course includes a recognised qualification, education supports and mentoring from industry role models.

An impact report published today shows that since its launch, over 5,370 female students from DEIS schools in all four provinces have taken part in the programme. with 76% of these students are now considering a career in STEM.

"Since its establishment, I have been lucky to see girls complete the programme with a renewed outlook on their potential, their thoughts about themselves have been transformed by the STEM Passport for Inclusion," said Dr Katriona O'Sullivan, Digital Skills Lecturer at Maynooth University.

Microsoft is the STEM Passport for Inclusion’s lead industry partner.

"Our involvement in the programme, both from a delivery and mentorship perspective, has been extremely rewarding and has allowed us to open our doors to students who traditionally would not have pursued STEM careers," said James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Leader and Corporate Vice President Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre.

The project is co-funded by Microsoft Ireland and Research Ireland, the new national competitive research and innovation funding agency and the Department of Education.

"Research Ireland is committed to empowering women from all backgrounds to access vital routes to STEM careers," said Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Research for Society at Research Ireland.