Educational innovators

● An Cosán Virtual Community College (VCC) offers a blended model of online learning, including live online classes, face-to-face workshops, mentoring for learners. Most are taking their first steps into higher education.

Aspire 2, a partnership between DPS Engineering and UCD Foundation, aims to support students to achieve Leaving Cert results that reflect their true potential and increase levels of progression to third level and further education.

● Cork Life Centre provides support and learning to 12-18 year olds who have not been able to reach their potential in mainstream education whether because of social, personal, academic or health-related issues.

● Churchfield Community Trust, Cork, uses education and work experience as a means of alcohol and drug deterrence to adults at risk of or who have a criminal record.

● PETE, the Focus Ireland Preparation for Education Training and Employment Service, supports adults who have reached out to homeless services.

● Fast Track Academy, a partnership of City Wise Education and IT Tallaght, works to improve numbers of 15-19 year olds in West Tallaght progressing to third level.

● iScoil, an online learning community that offers an alternative path to learning for 13-18 year olds across Ireland.

● Speedpak Group provides real work experience, industry training, mentoring and tailored supports to longterm unemployed living on Dublin’s northside.

● Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities provides an advanced education programme for young people with intellectual disabilities..

● Trinity Access 21 is a school outreach programme that empowers students and strengthens ‘college going’ cultures in DEIS schools in Laois, Offaly, Kerry and Dublin.