Our school is beaming with pride as we celebrate an incredible achievement by 33 of our 5th-year students, who recently graduated with a Level 6 NFQ qualification “21st Century Digital Skills” from Maynooth University as part of the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme. This initiative, founded by Professor Katriona O’Sullivan in collaboration with Maynooth University and Microsoft Dreamspace, aims to bridge the gender gap in STEM by providing young women with access to university-level education, mentorship, and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The Level 6 qualification earned by our students is a significant stepping stone, providing them with university credits and enhancing their future prospects in STEM-related fields. It represents not only their hard work and dedication but also the incredible support of their teachers and the wider school community, who have played a vital role in guiding them through this journey.
The graduation ceremony, held at Maynooth University, was a proud and inspiring event. Adding to the celebrations, our school was honoured with an Outstanding School Engagement Award, which was presented by Professor Katriona O’Sullivan in recognition of our commitment to the programme and our efforts in supporting young women in STEM. Professor O’Sullivan, a passionate advocate for inclusion in education, has been instrumental in creating opportunities for students who may not have traditionally had access to STEM pathways.
One of the most memorable moments of the day was an inspirational speech delivered by a past pupil of HFCS and STEM Passport graduate, Ava Kenny. Ava shared her personal journey from our classrooms to studying science at Maynooth University. Her story of determination and passion served as an encouragement to our graduates, showing them what is possible through hard work and ambition.
This achievement marks a proud milestone for our school who have participated in the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme since its inception in 2021. Over the past few years, we have seen remarkable growth and success within this initiative. Currently, we have 66 dedicated girls actively participating in the programme, all set to graduate next year. Their journey has been inspiring, and we are excited to see the positive changes they will bring to their communities and beyond and reinforces our dedication to providing opportunities that empower students to reach their full potential.
. We congratulate the 33 students on their success and look forward to seeing them make their mark in the world of STEM!
