PATH

Trinity College Dublin belongs to a six-college consortium comprising, Institute of Art and Design (IADT), Marino Institute of Education (MIE), National College of Art and Design (NCAD), University College Dublin (UCD), and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) in a HEA-funded initiative to collaboratively promote and advance equality of access to higher education for under-represented groups. All six colleges have a long tradition in the development of measures to address issues of educational inequality, and engagement with communities that are distant from higher education. In adopting a collaborative approach, the Consortium is building on this platform of experience, to identify opportunities to create synergies, to develop approaches to sustainability, and contribute to knowledge and practice in the field of equality of access and participation. This Consortium, chaired by Dr Bairbre Fleming (UCD), oversees five projects:

Creative Arts Summer School, led by NCAD
Open Learning, led by UCD
Community Mentoring, led by TCD
Dublin Learning City, jointly led by IADT and MIE
1916 Bursaries, led by UCD

1. 1916 Bursary

What is the 1916 Bursary?

The 1916 Bursary is a financial award to encourage the participation and success of students from sections of society that are significantly under-represented in higher education. You can find more information here.

The 1916 Bursary is funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) and aims to encourage participation and success by students who are most socio-economically disadvantaged and from groups most under-represented in higher education.

To be eligible for a 1916 Bursary, all applicants must meet, Financial, Priority Group and College Entry eligibility criteria.

Each participating college has a limited number of bursaries which are awarded to the eligible applicants that present the greatest need.

2. Creative Arts Summer School (CASS)

The Creative Arts Summer School is linked with further education, DEIS schools and a range of cultural institutions to raise awareness of creative qualifications and the opportunities within creative industries. The summer school is delivered across the six institutions within the cluster and provides scope for intergenerational participation to facilitate those with caring responsibilities. For further information on Creative Arts Summer School, please visit: ncad.ie/cass

3. Open Learning

Open Learning is a programme of cross-institutional study based on a modular and student-centred approach. Open Learning modules are offered on a part-time, individualised basis. Learn more about Open Learning at:

Open Learning

Community Mentoring

4. Community Mentoring

Community Mentoring aims to extend the existing mentoring programmes within the cluster HEIs, and through an inter-institutional and cross-community approach, harness the power of access students and graduates to support the development of bridging capital. Community Mentors, drawn from target groups which are traditionally underrepresented at third level education, deliver 3 sessions to mentees in schools, further education and training colleges and community groups. Mentors share information and advice about their college experience to support and inspire young people and adult learners to consider further and higher education. For further information on Community Mentoring, please visit: collegeaware.ie/community-mentors

5. Dublin as a Learning City

Dublin is learning. Learning for Work. Learning for Life. Learning for Fun. Learning is for life, and it is for everyone. Lifelong learning is increasingly ongoing, voluntary and self-motivated. Dublin is also learning about itself. Different agencies and organisations are working together to make Dublin a learning city. Dublin as a Learning City involves collaboration with community, education and government partners to develop intergenerational learning communities. For further information on Dublin as a Learning City, please visit: dublinlearningcity.ie