Longford Students graduate from Maynooth University with introduction to 21st century skills
Students from St. Mel’s College, Lanesboro Community College, Ardscoil Phádraig and Moyne Community School were among graduates from across Leinster who took part in the recent STEM Passport for Inclusion graduation ceremony at Maynooth University.
The Co Longford students joined peers from around the country in celebrating the successful completion of the university‑accredited Level 6 National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) module: Introduction to 21st Century STEM Skills.
Longford Co Council piloted the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme in local hubs the Latin School Moyne and EDI Centre during the 2023/2024 academic year. Following its ongoing success, the programme has expanded for the 2025/2026 academic year and is now being offered and delivered across all nine post‑primary schools in Co Longford.
Delivering the programme locally has reduced transportation costs and has removed the need for participants to travel to Dublin, making the programme far more accessible for our rural communities.
Cathaoirleach of Longford Co Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh said: “This programme has opened real opportunities for young people in County Longford. It is encouraging to see students from our post‑primary schools complete a university‑accredited module and be recognised for their work. It shows what can be achieved when education is made accessible and inclusive.”
The STEM passport for Inclusion programme is a joint initiative led by Maynooth University, in partnership with Microsoft, Research Ireland, and the Department of Education. The programme aims to address inequality in access to STEM education and careers by breaking barriers and empowering students from under-served backgrounds to pursue career pathways in science, technology, engineering and maths.
Through the programme students learn core STEM skills including design thinking, computational thinking and Python, while also benefiting from academic supports and mentoring from industry professionals. On completion, eligible students can avail of the DEIS STEM Pathway which offers an additional 50/60 Leaving Certificate points for entry to designated STEM courses at Maynooth University, Munster Technological University and Technological University of the Shannon.
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