22 Adult Learning Initiatives Shortlisted for the AONTAS STAR Awards 2020

#STARAwards2020 We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the AONTAS STAR Awards 2020. The awards recognise the very best in adult learning in Ireland and take place as part of the Adult Learners’ Festival 2020 (2nd  – 6th March).

Nominations for the 14^th AONTAS STAR Awards were received under four categories for adult learning initiatives that support: 

• Health and Wellbeing
• Third-level Access and Engagement – Sponsored by The Teachers’ Union of Ireland
• Social Inclusion – Sponsored by The Open University of Ireland
• Sustainable Employment – Sponsored by The Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCNNI)

Twenty-two initiatives were shortlisted in four categories with some categories divided into Small/Medium and Large subcategories.

For the second year, a European Social Fund (ESF) initiative will be recognised with a special award.

The STAR Awards is judged by an independent judging panel comprising of adult learners, tutors, and adult learning experts. The judging panel will meet with the shortlisted groups in mid-February before choosing the overall winners. Winners will be announced at The STAR Awards ceremony in The Law Society, Dublin on Monday, 2^nd March.

The shortlisted adult learning initiatives are:

Health and Wellbeing

• NLN Focus Recovery Programme
• Fit for Work and Life
• Clones Hen’s Shed
• Finn Valley Men’s Choir

Third-level Access and Engagement

• Professional Engagement Module – PEM
• Co-designing Accessible App
• Cultural and Heritage Studies LTI, National Print Museum

Social Inclusion – Small/Medium Organisations

• KCAT Arts Centre
• Mobile IT
• RADE CLG
• The Dillon’s Cross Project

Social Inclusion – Large Organisations

• DCU Ability Team
• Diploma in Substance Misuse and Addiction Studies – A Special Purpose NFQ Level 7 Award
• LINC Programme
• Bedford Row Traveller DRIVE Initiative

Sustainable Employment – Small/Medium Organisations

• Muirhevnamor Local Training Initiative –  Dundalk
• Building Futures
• Vocational Training Programme – Brothers of Charity

Sustainable Employment – Large Organisations

• The EPIC Programme
• Ballyhoura Development Ability Programme
• Ability@Work
• Healthcare Opportunities for Women

The STAR Awards is proudly sponsored by the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI), the Open University in Ireland and the Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCNNI) and European Social Fund (ESF). Sponsors will be offering special prizes to all 2020 STAR Award winners.