STEM Passport for Inclusion - Breaking Barriers

1. Earning a university-level STEM qualification while still in school
2. Connecting with STEM mentors
3. Applying design thinking to develop innovative solutions addressing historical and social divisions between regions

Delivered in partnership with Maynooth University and Queen’s University Belfast, the programme equips participants with essential STEM skills for future study or careers. Through interactive workshops, hands-on learning, and mentorship, girls will gain confidence and capabilities to pursue opportunities in STEM. A core element of the initiative is the design thinking process, which promotes creative problem-solving and teamwork. Participants will collaborate in cross-border teams to identify challenges and co-create STEM-based solutions that foster unity and understanding.

By bringing together girls from both sides of the border, the project aims to break down barriers and build lasting connections. The collaborative environment encourages sharing perspectives, learning from one another, and developing leadership skills.

This initiative represents a powerful opportunity to use education as a tool for social change. It will empower girls from disadvantaged communities with a university qualification and mentorship, while promoting cross-border collaboration and inclusion. The STEM Passport for Inclusion is not only an educational programme, it has become an initiative that ensures every student, regardless of their background, can build STEM capital.