Eighty primary and post-primary students in Limerick gathered at The Technological University of the Shannon’s (TUS) Millennium Theatre on Friday, to celebrate their graduation from the GO4IT Programme.
The Go4It programme is a collaborative initiative between TUS Midwest Access Service, the Northside Family Resource Centre, Corpus Christi Primary School, Thomond National School, and Thomond Community College. It was established in 2006 in response to concerns that a low number of young people from several communities were not accessing third-level education.
Go4IT provides opportunities and support for young people to explore the university environment and consider possibilities for their futures. It is unique in its approach as it engages with participants and their families from primary level, throughout second level, with the aim of supporting progression to higher education and beyond.
Speaking at the event, Vice President of Student Education and Experience, Frances O’Connell said: “We are extremely proud to be working with our community partners on this excellent programme. We have seen great success from the work completed through the Go4IT programme with many past students enrolling in third level education and developing their careers in their chosen field.
“I have no doubt our students who graduated today will do the same. The uniqueness of the Go4It programme is that it is takes a holistic view of education, allowing students to experience first-hand the higher education environment – and the wide range of entry route options, academic programmes on offer, and supports that are available to them to realise their ambitions and their future educational potential.
“I would like to congratulate all our students; it has been a proud day for all and a testament to what we achieve when working together as partners for the benefit of our students in our community.”
Principal of Corpus Christi Primary School in Limerick, Tiernan O’Niell said: “Our school has been extremely fortunate to have been involved in the Go4It initiative for almost 20 years. In those intervening years the impact and influence of the project has been truly transformative and has undoubtedly aided our efforts, as we strive to create educational and learning pathways for the children and families in our care.
“The level of commitment shown by TUS, Northside FRC and other stakeholders to the GO4It programme has been extraordinary and our school community has certainly reaped the benefits. The success of the Go4It initiative is undoubtedly underpinned by the level of engagement TUS staff members have with a plethora of community partners. This relational model of working is testament to the Go4It programme, its staff and the wider university.”
In total this year, over 300 primary school students across Clare, Tipperary and Limerick have gone through TUS Access programmes, aiding them in progressing to third level.
College4Kids, which is also an initiative of the TUS Access Service, similar to the GO4IT programme, saw 187 students graduate from its programme earlier this year. It is funded under the Higher Education Authority Programme for Access to Higher Education initiative – PATH 3 and is available to DEIS schools in Clare and Tipperary.
At the end of each programme parents and guardians of all students are invited to graduation ceremonies in the Moylish and Thurles campuses to celebrate students’ achievements.
