Trinity gets Google backing for Computer Science education programme
Posted on: 21 March 2025
As well as the Hedge School, this funding from Google.org will support a new pre-university Computer Science module, a professional development programme for teachers, and research into best practices for integrating Generative AI in education.
Trinity College Dublin has launched a new programme to enhance computer science education for hundreds of second-level students across Ireland, supported by Google.org.
An innovative collaboration between Trinity Access Programmes (TAP) and Trinity’s School of Computer Science and Statistics will provide vital support and activities for students, teachers, and schools nationwide. The programme includes Ireland’s first Computer Science “Hedge School” — designed to address the gap in computer science education opportunities.
Many students in Ireland are eager to study computer science for the Leaving Certificate, but not all schools currently have the capacity to offer the subject. The Hedge School will bridge this gap by enabling a class of students each year to undertake the full Leaving Certificate Computer Science course outside regular school hours.
As well as the Hedge School, this funding from Google.org will support a new pre-university Computer Science module, a professional development programme for teachers, and research into best practices for integrating Generative AI in education. All these activities are part of the TAP Pathways to STEM initiative, dedicated to fostering greater access and excellence in STEM education.
Professor Brendan Tangney of the School of Computer Science and Statistics said: “The Computer Science Hedge School is an innovative approach to teaching Computer Science, opening doors for students who would otherwise not have the chance to take this subject for the Leaving Certificate.”
Starting with the first cohort in September 2025, students will complete the two-year course through evening and weekend classes, including project work and comprehensive revision support. The programme will offer a blend of in-person activities and online classes, along with intensive camps during school holidays. Crucially, there will be no cost for students to participate, ensuring equitable access to this opportunity.
Wendy Crampton, Director of the Trinity Access Programmes, thanked Google.org for their support, “This funding represents a transformative opportunity for students from underrepresented communities. By providing access to Computer Science education, we are empowering students with the skills and confidence to pursue further studies and careers in technology. We are delighted to make this vision a reality, with the support of Google.org.”
The initiative was officially launched on March 7th at Google’s Dublin headquarters as part of International Women's Day celebrations and Google’s Mind the Gap initiative (below are student participants Amy Harrington, Tallaght Community School, and Alex Murray, Palmerstown Community School).
The event hosted 300 students from the CodePlus Transition Year programmes at the University of Limerick (UL), the University of Ireland Galway, and Trinity College Dublin (TCD). Attendees explored life as software engineers, participated in interactive workshops on Generative AI, and engaged in a panel discussion with early-career women in tech.
For more information on the Computer Science Hedge School and to sign up for updates, please click here.
Media Contact:
Catherine O’Mahony | Media Relations | catherine.omahony@tcd.ie