AONTAS STAR Awards 2026
The AONTAS STAR Awards recognise the very best in adult learning in Ireland. Once again, we are celebrating and acknowledging the incredible adult learning initiatives taking place across the country in support of learners, communities and social change.
For the 20th STAR Awards, we are delighted to announce that we now have six award categories, following the introduction this year of a brand-new category:
Adult Learning Initiatives that Support Social Change
This exciting new category reflects the growing role of adult education in addressing inequality, supporting community building, and driving positive change across Ireland.
The six categories for 2026 are:
- Global Citizenship Education
- Learner Voice
- Social Change (new for 2026)
- Social Inclusion
- Health and Wellbeing
- Third-level Access and Engagement
The Shortlisted Adult Learning Initiatives for 2026….
Adult Learning Initiatives that Support Global Citizenship Education
- Preparation for Preschool Programme – Hill Street Family Resource Centre
- Empowering Communities in Circular Opportunities – Rediscovery Centre
- Family Learning Horticulture – Tipperary ETB
- Roots & Horizons: Global Citizenship through Erasmus+ – Cork ETB
Adult Learning Initiatives that Support Learner Voice
- Certificate in Applied Skills Development and Certificate in Personal Development – SETU
- The Journey Podcast – Cavan Monaghan ETB
- Dance with Me Tonight Campaign by MTM/LOETB Birr – Laois Offaly ETB
- Down Syndrome Ireland Advisory Councils – Down Syndrome Ireland
Adult Learning Initiatives that Support Social Change
- Who Are We Now? A Photovoice Exploration of Community, Identity and Contested Belonging – Northside Partnership
- Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) Ireland – Alternatives to Violence Project Ireland
- Divergently Together – Alan James Burns
- AD:EPT Service – Start360
Adult Learning Initiatives that Support Social Inclusion
- Start360 Volunteer Service – Start360
- Secret Street Tours – Secret Street Tours
- New Futures Employability Programme – One Family
- The Open Doors Initiative – Open Doors Initiative
Adult Learning Initiatives that Support Health and Wellbeing
- A Day in The Life – Soilse
- Understanding Mental Health through Positive Therapeutic Copper Art Facilitation Training – MABS
- On Feirm Ground 2 – Mens Network
- Aiseiri Progression Programme – Aiseiri Progression Programme
Adult Learning Initiatives that Support Third-level Access and Engagement
- Level 7 Women, Gender and Social Justice Community/University Outreach Programme – Women’s Collective Ireland
- Unblocking Potential – Ulster University
- “A Footbridge to the Pathway” – A collaboration between SETU, LOETB and Portlaoise Prison
- Introduction to Addiction Studies: Cork and Midlands Prisons – UCC
Thank you to all who submitted nominations
For those not shortlisted, we want to acknowledge the exceptionally high quality of all nominations received this year. The judging panel noted the inspiring, innovative and community-focused nature of the work taking place across the adult learning sector, making the shortlisting process extremely competitive.
The judging panel will now meet each shortlisted group in person before deciding on the overall winners in each category.
STAR Awards 2026
The winners will be announced at the STAR Awards Ceremony in Dublin on Friday 6th March – a highlight of the Adult Learners’ Festival.
The STAR Awards are proudly supported by a range of partners who champion equality of access to quality education and training across Ireland.
The Adult Learners’ Festival, running from 2nd to 6th March 2026, is a nationwide celebration of adult learning. It provides organisations, tutors, learners and community groups with an opportunity to highlight the value of adult learning for individuals, families, workplaces and communities.
For further information about the STAR Awards, please contact:
Megan Fearon – Head of Impact and Engagement – mfearon@aontas.com
