Students complete STEM programme with Microsoft
STUDENTS from Lucan Community College recently completed a STEM programme with Microsoft, which aims to address digital inequality in schools across Ireland.
Female Transition Year students from the Lucan school took part in the Microsoft STEM Passport for Inclusion programme (STEMP), rolled out in partnership with Maynooth University.
The STEM Passport, which is delivered and assessed by the Microsoft Ireland Dream Space team, offers girls the opportunity to complete an accredited Microsoft Dream Space module that will help support them on their journey to completing a STEM degree at third level.
The project was developed due to the low number of girls entering STEM related careers, according to Amanda Jolliffe, Dream Space Lead, Microsoft Ireland.
“Research found that there was a big discrepancy, especially with girls from disadvantaged areas accessing STEM opportunities,” said Amanda.
“It is an immersive programme for schools. They come in for three weeks, full days 9am to 4pm at our HQ in Leopardstown. It is very much a hands on, and getting stuck in approach with the curriculum.”
Participants learn about core STEM competencies, and areas of computer science, and artificial intelligence on the programme.
LCC teachers Audrey Byrne and Siobhan McGeever, said this was the first time the Lucan school engaged in the programmme, but it won’t be the last due to the enthusiasm their students expressed during the course.
“We have a digital skills leadership programme, which the Deputy Principal is aware of and having talked to Siobhan, we were delighted to have the opportunity for our students to take part in the programme,” said Audrey.
“It is very intense hands on work. Students really enjoyed the physical building at Microsoft, where they could work everyday, where they could meet women who work in STEM.”
That connection is an important aspect of the programme according to Amanda, who says this mentoring by female STEM workers on the programme helps to build relationships and inspire students.
Female tech leaders from both Microsoft Ireland and Accenture were among those volunteering as part of the mentoring sessions.
The Lucan teachers believe the programme is a valuable resource to help students understand first hand the value of pursuing a career in the digital economy.
Up to 30 students from the school graduated in the programme.
The programme is funded by Microsoft, Science Foundation Ireland, and the Department of Education, and is to be expanded nationally.
Since 2021, up to 1,250 students have registered for STEM Passport for Inclusion with over 100 female leaders from Microsoft Ireland taking part in the programme’s mentoring initiative.
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