Four Leitrim schools empowering young people in STEM

The STEM Passport for Inclusion programme, in partnership with Leitrim Country Council, has officially launched in Mohill Community College, Lough Allen College, Drumshanbo Vocational School, and Carrigallen Vocational School. STEM Passport is an award winning programme which creates an innovative pathway for students from under-served backgrounds to third level education by earning a Level 6 STEM qualification, work experience opportunities, and mentoring from inspiring industry role models. The launch in Leitrim marks a major milestone for the initiative which is now running across all counties in the Republic of Ireland.

Led by Prof. Katriona O’Sullivan at Maynooth University in partnership with lead and founding partner Microsoft, the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme is funded by Microsoft Ireland, Research Ireland and the Department of Education, as well as by many industry and education partners.

As part of this initiative, professionals from leading organisations such as Microsoft, John Paul Construction, Bennett Construction, AMD, Pfizer and TUS will visit classrooms, share insights into their sectors, and offer guidance on skills development, training routes, and future employment opportunities.

Speaking about the launch Professor Katriona O’Sullivan  said: “We are delighted to bring the STEM Passport for Inclusion to Leitrim, it’s an important and special day not just for the students here, but because we can now say there is a STEM Passport for Inclusion Programme in every county,  meaning we are another step closer to ensuring equitable access to high-quality STEM education. I’d like to thank all our partners, in particular Leitrim County Council and the schools for coming on board!”

STEM Passport for Inclusion combines accredited STEM learning with mentoring from professionals working in the sector, helping students develop skills, confidence, and connections for future study and employment. Since its inception, the initiative has reached thousands of students from under-served communities across Ireland, breaking down barriers to participation in STEM fields.