Over Forty Young Adults and Mature Students Graduate From Trinity Access Programmes Foundation Courses Paving the Way to University

The graduation ceremony of forty-two students studying on the Trinity Access Programmes (TAP) Foundation Courses for Higher Education took place on Friday June 22 last at Trinity College Dublin. The foundation courses aim to tackle educational disadvantage, offering another way to third-level education for mature students and young adults whose social, economic and cultural experiences have prevented them from going to college.

Following their graduation from the TAP foundation courses, the twenty-six young adults and sixteenmature students are all expected to start degree courses across the three faculties in Trinity College, in September.

The foundation course students come from communities in the Greater Dublin area, such as Finglas, Ballymun, Tallaght and Ballyfermot, which are characterised by relatively low rates of progression to and participation in Higher Education. Many of the mature students were early school leavers and the young adults come from schools which are linked to TAP or other access offices and took part in outreach activities while in school, which aimed to raise their levels of educational aspiration.

This year’s cohort of students specialised in one of three subject areas during the foundation course: Sciences, Social Sciences or Arts. The foundation course is full time and very demanding, with small class groups, taught by Trinity College tutors who encourage all students to participate fully and challenge themselves. In addition to their area of specialisation, all students take modules in educational guidance, study skills and information technology, which aim to best prepare them for the degree courses of interest to them.

Since the foundation courses were first introduced in 1997, 96% of graduates from the foundation courses have progressed to degree level studies, with 441 progressing to degree courses in Trinity College.

Commenting on the significance of the students’ achievements, TCD Senior Lecturer, Dr Patrick Geoghegan said: “As we explore new ways of admitting students to Trinity, we are inspired by the example of our TAP students. Over the past number of years they have shown us that ability, potential and motivation for a course are much more important than any crude points total, and reaffirm for us the transformative power of higher education. This year our TAP students have proven through their hard work, their determination, and their love of learning that they are fully deserving of their places at university, and we are proud to support them as they set out to change the world.”

The foundation courses and students of the Trinity Access Programmes are supported by the companies, Accenture and Grant Thornton through innovative career development and mentoring programmes, which aim to remove some of the barriers students from low skilled backgrounds can experience in progressing into the professional labour market.

This is the first year of the two year Skills to Succeed Programme for Students on the Foundation Course – Mature Students supported by Accenture which has added an invaluable dimension to TAP’s work. Accenture staff utilise their experience, knowledge and expertise to support, educate and guide mature students through a structured programme, orientating them for college and future careers.

Country Managing Director, Accenture, Mark Ryan said: “Programmes like TAP are incredibly important to help those who might not otherwise access higher education develop the skills to succeed in life and in the workplace. Accenture is committed to contributing to the regeneration and growth of the wider economy and so we are delighted to support the programme. Our employees who worked with the students on the TAP Programme tell me how inspirational they were and how delighted they are to see them graduate today. We wish them the best of luck for the future.”

The Career Development and Mentoring Programme for Students on the Foundation Course – Young Adults is in its fourth year and supported by Grant Thornton.This partnership between Grant Thornton and TAP is a new model in widening participation to university and into the professional world of work for young adults from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Three foundation course students have secured summer internship positions with the company.

The graduation ceremony where students were awarded with foundation certificates by Trinity College’s Registrar, Professor Shane Allwright was followed by a reception for students and staff at which the Senior Lecturer, Dr Patrick Geoghegan spoke along with Accenture Country Director, Mark Ryan and Grant Thornton Partner, Patrick Burke, and student representatives.