In the last seven years, 335 schools have received 834 grants worth more than €300,000 that facilitated students to participate in the Young Scientist contest and exhibition.
The BT Travel and Accommodation Grant Scheme, which was increased in 2012 to €75,000 per year, has allowed students to participate that otherwise may have missed the opportunity.
Schools which are located over 70km from the RDS in Dublin can apply for a grant of €150 per individual entry or €300 for a group entry, up to a maximum of €1,500 per school.
"With the help of this grant, I had the chance to take part in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition in January and it really made me think about what I want to do in college," said Faye Murphy, a student from Kinsale Community School. "A group of us spent the week there and it opened our eyes to the opportunities that exist for our future. Everyone thought it was amazing".
"We understand the financial challenges schools and parents face in these uncertain economic times," said Colm O'Neill, CEO, BT Ireland. "This grant is an investment in young people, ensuring that they have every opportunity to showcase their talent and can seize the benefits that this excellent exhibition can bring them."
The closing date for project submissions for the 2013 exhibition is 1 October 2012, and the organisers are hoping for a new record for entries.
The BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition takes place in the RDS, Dublin from 9 - 12 January2013. For more information on the exhibition, see the links below.
www.btyoungscientist.com * facebook.com/BTYSTE * twitter.com/btyste
TechCentral Reporters