The award-winning STEM Passport for Inclusion programme is calling on professionals across Ireland to sign up as mentors and support the next generation of STEM talent from under-served backgrounds. Building on the successful pilot of the programme in Northern Ireland in conjunction with Queen’s University Belfast, the initiative is now expanding its reach and is seeking volunteers to play a vital role in supporting students as they explore education and career pathways in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
By dedicating fifteen hours, across the next 12 months, mentors can provide guidance, share personal and professional experiences, and help students from under-served backgrounds around the city to build the confidence and skills they need to pursue further education and careers in STEM.
A short online training session will take place across a number of dates, including the 4th, 9th, and 16th of June, and the 14th of July, equipping new mentors the tools and confidence to get started. While an in-person full day training day will take place on Tuesday July 28 in Microsoft offices in Leopardstown, Co Dublin. Anyone interested in becoming a mentor is encouraged to register their interest as soon as possible: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/dAqBVpL2DR. Additional training dates will be scheduled in August.
STEM Passport for Inclusion is an initiative led by Prof Katriona O’Sullivan at Maynooth University’s National Centre for Inclusive Higher Education. The programme is funded by Research Ireland, the Department of Education and Youth and Microsoft, as well as by many industry and education partners. It aims to tackle persistent inequalities in access to STEM education and career pathways, with particular focus on growing representation of under-served communities.
The mentoring programme is designed to be flexible and accessible. All mentoring sessions take place online and are supported by the STEM Passport for Inclusion team, ensuring that volunteers are fully equipped to make the most of the experience. Importantly, mentors do not need to come from a STEM background, or even work in STEM; what matters most is their willingness to listen, support, and encourage the next generation.
Professor Katriona O’Sullivan, STEM Passport for Inclusion, emphasised the importance of this work, saying: “Following the successful pilot of STEM Passport for Inclusion in Northern Ireland, we are now focused on building on that momentum and expanding the programme’s reach. As we grow the programme across Ireland, we are looking for people who are willing to share their time and perspective. By volunteering as a mentor, individuals can make a meaningful difference, while helping to build a more inclusive and diverse future workforce.”
