Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI) has teamed up with Microsoft and its Dream Space education team to develop two groundbreaking educational programmes – Dream Space ByteSize and Dream Space brAIn_waves – designed to help embed digital fluency and AI literacy in Irish classrooms. These programmes empower JAI’s volunteers – industry professionals from diverse industries across Ireland – to deliver hands-on educational experiences in schools nationwide. The volunteers combine their professional insights with the programmes’ digital and AI activities to inspire students about the possibilities technology creates for future careers. Funded by Research Ireland under the Discover Programme, this collaboration ensures students gain the future-ready skills required to thrive in the era of AI.
By working together, JAI, Microsoft and Research Ireland have created two education programmes that connect classroom learning with real-world applications and enable students to explore digital concepts while hearing first-hand how technology is transforming today’s workplaces.
Building Digital Foundations with Dream Space ByteSize
Developed for Senior Infants, ByteSize introduces Senior Infants to the concept of problem solving and sequencing through playful, hands-on activities. In one module, students build an origami fox while learning the logic behind step-by-step instructions – a foundational skill in coding and critical thinking.
Exploring AI with Dream Space brAIn_waves
Dream Space brAIn_waves takes Transition Year students through a comprehensive exploration of artificial intelligence. Students develop an understanding of how AI and data analytics shape the world around them through activities like analysing Spotify data sets to predict who might have the next big hit. The programme also introduces ethical considerations and gives the students insights into potential career pathways, from software engineering to cyber security.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Ruth Abigail Freeman, Director of Science for Society at Research Ireland, said,
Technology is rapidly transforming every industry, and education. It is vital that young people have a keen understanding of technological advancements and are ready harness them in both academic and working environments. Programmes like brAIn_waves and ByteSize empower young people to explore technology with curiosity and confidence, and we are delighted to support these initiatives through the Research Ireland Discover Programme.
“Before brAIn_waves, I thought AI was just something tech companies used.” A TY student commented “Now I see how it’s shaping everything — from the music I stream to the jobs I might want. It’s made me realise I could actually be part of that world, not just watch it happen.”
A Unique Educational Model
JAI’s unique educational model brings volunteers from the world of work directly into the classroom. These volunteers, drawn from JAI’s network of over 120 partner organisations across Ireland, serve as positive role models who inspire students to see a place for themselves in tech and digital careers. By sharing real-world insights and experiences, the volunteers help students connect classroom learning to future opportunities, making technology feel relevant, exciting, and achievable.
James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Leader and Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre, commented on the importance of students accessing digital skills, saying,
When young people have the chance to explore the fascinating topic of digital skills, it can ignite curiosity that shapes their future. Exposure isn’t just about learning a tool or a concept, it’s about opening doors to creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. That spark can lead to a lifelong passion and a rewarding career in technology. Through this collaboration with JAI, we will see tailored programmes like Dream Space ByteSize and Dream Space brAIn_waves reach new audiences across Ireland, helping to ensure Ireland’s students are ready to lead in a digital-first world.
Bridging the Digital Gap in Ireland
Aiming to reach more than 6,000 students by the end of 2026, these programmes aim to address Ireland’s growing digital skills gap by ensuring equitable access to future-focused education. The European Commission’s Digital Decade Country Report for Ireland stresses that digital skills are essential life skills, not just technical competencies, underscoring the need for early exposure in schools to ensure every child can participate fully in a digital society.
Helen Raftery, CEO of Junior Achievement Ireland, explains how JAI’s model is part of the solution for bridging Ireland’s digital gap,
Every child should have the opportunity to develop the skills that will shape their future. Thanks to their real-world experience and active involvement with digital skills in their careers, our volunteers help make such skills accessible and exciting and ensure our teachers feel supported in their work to prepare young people for what lies ahead.
ByteSize and brAIn_waves mark an important step in preparing Ireland’s young people for a digital future. By introducing critical thinking and digital skills from an early age, JAI ensures that students across all communities have the opportunity to build their confidence with technology and imagine themselves as the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow.
Photo caption: Students from St Columbanus NS in Dublin join Helen Raftery (Junior Achievement Ireland), James O’Connor (Microsoft) and Dr Ruth Abigail Freeman at the launch of new digital literacy programmes ByteSize and brAIn_waves