In pictures: 170 Donegal students graduate from STEM Passport programme at ATU

Some 170 Donegal students received their All-Ireland STEM Passport from Atlantic Technological University (ATU). Please click on the arrows to go through the gallery

Students from Rosses Community School at the STEM Awards. ATU Stem Passport team: Colette Harlowe, ATU Stem Passport Admin, Valerie Butler, ATU Stem Passport Lead and ATU assistant lecturer Hamail Ayaz.

ATU celebrated the achievements of nearly 400 secondary school students from Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Roscommon and Cavan, who received their All-Ireland STEM Passport for Inclusion programme at a special ceremony on the Sligo campus.

This marks the latest milestone in a programme that has seen almost 800 students successfully complete the STEM Passport since 2023, earning a Level 6 (NFQ) Certificate in 21st Century STEM Skills. 

The STEM Passport programme is designed to encourage young women to imagine themselves in STEM careers and attend university, breaking down barriers and building confidence. By offering real-world skills and exposure to industry mentors, the initiative helps students see a future where they belong in science, technology, engineering, and maths. 

Through three days of hands-on learning in coding, computational thinking and data analysis, students gained practical STEM experience. They completed assignments to earn a third-level qualification, participated in mentoring with industry professionals, and received career guidance on STEM pathways. 

In addition to the student achievements, three teachers, Olivia Duncan, from Beech Hill College, Monaghan, Veronica Morley, from Davitt College, Mayo and Grace Lyttle, from Moyne College, Mayo, were also recognised with special awards for their outstanding support and commitment to promoting STEM education in their schools. 

Speaking at the awards, Professor Jacqueline McCormack, VP for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and Online and Flexible Learning at ATU, congratulated the students on their achievement.

“Today, we celebrate you, young women, who have already made their mark in STEM,” said Prof McCormack. “I am already a proud STEM woman myself, but what you have achieved while still in school is something a few of us in higher education managed at your age. It’s so important for us, as women, to support one another. When you enter the world of STEM, remember to lift the next young woman following in your footsteps.” 

Dr Michele Glacken, Vice President for Students, Teaching and Learning at ATU, highlighted the power of STEM subjects to address real-world problems and encouraged students to continue their studies at ATU.  

“STEM fields are about solving problems and shaping a better future,” said Dr Glacken. “These fields are full of exciting opportunities. Think of pioneers like Katherine Johnson, Marie Curie or Edith Clarke; they led and inspired, and so can you.” 

ATU STEM Passport Academic Lead, Valerie Butler, also congratulated students and their teachers, commending their efforts and teamwork.  

“Congratulations to all of you on earning a university-level qualification while still in school,” she said. “We are so proud of you here at ATU, and we can’t wait to see where your STEM journey takes you next.” 

The STEM Passport Programme, launched in 2023, is a joint initiative by Maynooth University, Microsoft Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland, and the Department of Education. 

The Programme aims to address inequalities in access to STEM careers among students from socially disadvantaged communities (DEIS schools) by providing practical skills, mentoring, and career insights.

Interested schools can contact the STEM Passport team at stempassport@atu.ie.