The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has awarded of 23 students from Meán Scoil Mhuire, Longford, with a Level 6 qualification, after completing the inaugural STEM Passport for Inclusion pilot programme.
The pilot at the TUS Athlone campus was established by Dr. Mary Giblin, with the support of Dr. Enda Fallon (both from the Department of Computer and Software Engineering), Christine Collins (Broadband Officer, Longford County Council), and Isabel Meza Silva (STEM Passport for Inclusion Programme Manager, National Centre for Inclusive Higher Education, Maynooth University).
The award-winning STEM Passport for Inclusion is an initiative led by Prof Katriona O’Sullivan at Maynooth University. Funded by Research Ireland and the Department of Education and Youth, as well as lead and founding partner Microsoft Ireland alongside many industry and education partners, STEM Passport 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.
Speaking at the graduation event, which took place during the Midlands Ireland Showcase on the TUS Athlone campus, Dr. Mary Giblin, Programme Lead at TUS said: “We are incredibly proud of these 23 young women from Meán Scoil Mhuire. They have embraced this opportunity with drive and curiosity. This programme is about more than just points; it is about showing students that they belong in university and that they have a vital role to play in the future of STEM in Ireland. By providing a Level 6 qualification while they are still in school, we are giving them a tangible head start and the confidence to pursue their ambitions.”
Aileen Devaney, Programme Coordinator at Meán Scoil Mhuire, Longford said: “The STEM Passport for Inclusion has given our students greatly improved confidence and awareness in STEM. It was an honour for us to serve as the pilot school in the Midlands for this initiative. The programme has encouraged all 23 of our participating students to choose science subjects for their Leaving Certificate, with many now aiming to pursue STEM courses and careers in college.
It has been hugely beneficial to our students, who thoroughly enjoyed working on their assignments and were very proud to achieve their Level 6 certificate from TUS.”
Isabel Meza, Programme Manager, STEM Passport for Inclusion, National Centre for Inclusive Higher Education, Maynooth University said: “It has been really inspiring to witness the enthusiasm and talent of students as they embraced every aspect of the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme. Their achievement is a powerful reminder of what is possible when young women are given access to pathways in STEM. We are so proud to support their journey and excited to see the impact they will make as future innovators and leaders.”
Following the success of this pilot in Longford, the programme has expanded at TUS for the 2025/2026 academic year. The initiative now has four additional schools across the Midlands region enrolled.
TUS will also introduce enhanced industry elements for incoming students. This includes a new collaboration with Ericsson, which will see the global tech leader provide mentorship and site visits for the next cohort of students, offering them direct insight into cutting-edge developments such as Generative AI.
This evolution of the programme ensures that as student numbers grow, the depth of the experience continues to develop, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world career possibilities.