The shortlist is divided into five categories of adult learning initiatives that support people with:
The STAR Awards is judged by an independent panel of educators, policymakers, adult learners, and other adult learning experts.
Let’s take a closer look at the shortlisted initiatives for the category of Third Level Access and Engagement.
This special purpose award in Community Studies is funded by WWETB’s Community Education programme, in collaboration with SETU. The programme provides third level opportunities to rural community volunteers and activists who experience economic and geographic disadvantages. Many community workers in rural and disadvantaged areas are being prevented from development by barriers such as lack of transport, poverty, and lack of access to essential services including education. To address these barriers, this programme provided a suite of supports including mentoring from WWETB Adult Educators, access to WWETB premises for study groups, the SETU Student Assistance Fund for transport costs, supported introduction to SETU facilities such as the library, WWETB student support services and guidance service, laptop loan scheme, and free printing. This programme has given participants the skills and confidence to work effectively in their community. They developed practical skills such as communication, team working, decision making and problem solving. All of this has made a positive impact on their family life and community work. This programme is investing in disadvantaged communities. Outreach is a key factor to its success in reaching rurally isolated learners, whose main barriers are funding and transport. Now, over 80% of the participants have progressed to the Higher Certificate in Community Education and Development indicating a clear pathway to progression in further education.
This programme aims to change who goes to college by empowering prospective students from underrepresented groups to become active agents of change and envision themselves in higher education. Since 2021, College Connect has facilitated Change Makers across Dublin City University, Maynooth University, and Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone Campus (TUS Athlone). The course is based on adult education principles and uses a range of approaches, including participatory, experiential, reflective, and self-directed learning. Through eight to ten sessions, mentees collaborate with college-going peer mentors to explore topics related to higher education, foster a sense of belonging and raising their aspirations. Together, they challenge perceptions and equip participants with the tools to succeed in college. Change Makers has supported a wide range of National Access Plan (NAP) priority groups, including DEIS school students, Youthreach, adult learners (e.g., those with prison experience, international protection applicants, Further Education, and Mature students), and members of the Traveller and Roma communities. The programme’s adaptability and flexibility demonstrate its capacity to meet students “where they’re at” by being tailored to their specific learning needs. The success of the programme is evident in the deep connections between DCU’s Access Office and community organisations. Since 2021, the programme has engaged 271 students from NAP priority groups, with feedback indicating a shift in participant mindsets and many now considering third-level education as a viable path or beginning their higher education journey.
This innovative and interactive course aims to give its students the tools for addiction recovery and a potential pathway into higher education. The programme, led by University College Cork’s Adult Continuing Education (ACE), is a pioneering educational initiative promoting social inclusion and personal growth among prisoners affected by addiction. Since its launch in March 2022, this programme – supported by the HSE, Cork City Partnerships, and Cork Education Training Board’s Cork Prison Education – has provided prisoners with quality education tailored to their experiences with addiction. This module is the first UCC accredited module in Substance Misuse and Addiction Studies (SMAS) offered in Cork Prison, and one of the first University accredited modules in SMAS within the Irish Prison system. This initiative has introduced third-level education to 45 students through an audit-only track, and to 19 students through an accredited UCC module. This programme fosters personal growth and social inclusion within and beyond the prison environment. By making UCC’s educational resources available within Cork Prison, the programme fosters new academic interests and encourages lifelong learning for those, who, in some cases at least, have been caught in a cycle of generational disadvantage. The programme provides structured engagement through lectures, discussions, and accessible content designed with a Universal Design for Learning approach. The Object-Based Learning Assessment approach allows students to create personal art pieces that capture their learning, boosting confidence and ownership in their achievements. The initiative also opens pathways to higher education beyond the prison. Graduates of this course are eligible for the Level 5 Substance Use Issues and Community Work programme, with the potential to progress further to UCC’s Level 7 Diploma in Substance Misuse and Addiction Studies, building a bridge to a more inclusive academic community. Student artwork was exhibited in Spike Island, June to September 2024. Students gain the knowledge, confidence and skills to pursue further education, contributing positively to society upon release.
TUS Midwest Access Service is committed to promoting access to higher education for under-represented groups. It has strong partnerships with organisations who work in areas of severe social, economic, and educational disadvantage in Limerick, Clare, and Tipperary. The Certificate in Transition to Higher Education programme aims to provide a pathway for adults who experience severe social, economic and/or educational disadvantage to engage in a supportive and structured third-level academic foundation programme. The programme consists of 24 weeks of lectures in core modules such as Mathematics, Computer Applications, Personal Development and Learning & Academic Skills Development. Students are also supported with mentoring, career guidance, learning support, and the provision of appropriate technology. Many participants are from some of the most marginalised groups in Irish society, and high levels of support is an integral aspect of the programme. The programme offers great flexibility through the provision of a part-time model, which is facilitated through a blended offering. On successful completion of the programme, students are awarded a Certificate in Transition to Higher Education. The programme has not only been recognised for its impact on individual lives, but also for its transformative impact on communities.
The Adult Learners’ Festival, happening this year from 3rd to 7th March 2025, is a nationwide celebration of adult learning. This year’s theme is “Connecting Communities”. Adult and community education is the bridge that connects communities across the island of Ireland. Visit this page for more details about the Festival
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