Dungloe School takes part in inclusion programme

Rosses Community School in Dungloe joins the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme.

STEM Passport for Inclusion aims to break barriers and empower students from under-served backgrounds to pursue further and higher education opportunities and career pathways in science, technology, engineering and maths.

The school has become the latest to join the award-winning STEM Passport for Inclusion programme. From this September, transition year students at the school will receive mentoring from STEM professionals, access accredited learning opportunities and take part in practical career development activities.

Rosses Community School will join a growing network of schools across Donegal already participating in STEM Passport for Inclusion, including Deele College, Raphoe; Errigal College, Letterkenny; Gairmscoil Chú Uladh, Ballinamore; Scoil Mhuire Buncrana; and The Royal & Prior Comprehensive School, Raphoe.

This addition marks another important step in ensuring students from under-served backgrounds have the confidence and skills to explore further and higher education opportunities and careers in STEM fields.

STEM Passport for Inclusion is led by Professor Katriona O’Sullivan at Maynooth University’s National Centre for Inclusive Higher Education and delivered in partnership with the programme’s university partner (in the Ulster region), Atlantic Technological University (ATU). The programme is funded by Research Ireland, the Department of Education and Youth, and Microsoft, as well as by many industry and education partners.

Commenting on the school’s participation in the programme, Prof. Katriona O’Sullivan, Founder of STEM Passport for Inclusion, said: “We are delighted to welcome Rosses Community School to the STEM Passport for Inclusion community. Talent exists in every town and every community across Ireland, but access to opportunities is not always equal. By bringing the programme to more schools in Donegal, we can help students discover their potential, build confidence in their abilities and see the exciting possibilities that exist within STEM. We look forward to working with students, teachers and the wider school community in the year ahead.”

Students at the school will begin participating in the programme during the 2026/27 academic year, joining a community of young people across Ireland who are benefiting from the programme.

Since its launch five years ago, more than 10,000 students have completed the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme, and as the programme enters its next phase, it is aiming to support a further 5,000 while expanding to include TY boys, Youthreach learners, and women returning to education.