In order for Ireland to utilize the full benefits of AI and technological progress, it is important for people with all backgrounds to access the latest digital skills. Yesterday at the foundry we greeted Taoiseach Micheál Martin and James Lawless – Minister for further and higher education, research, innovation and science – to celebrate and recognize the results of the first recipients of the Insight AI Scholarship, a program that supports students from under -represented backgrounds when they seem to shape the future of technology.
About the scholarships
The scholarship program was announced in 2023 as part of Google Ireland’s 20 -year birthday. An extensive promotion campaign in the months followed ensured that the program reached those who could make the most of this opportunity.
These endeavors culminated with yesterday’s event, where the first 39 students in the program received their awards from Taoiseach. Each scholarship is worth € 5,000 annually during a three- or four-year bachelor’s program program supported through a Google.org grant for Dublin City University (DCU) that coordinates the program through the Insight Research Ireland Center for Data Analytics.
The students are enrolled in courses that span a number of disciplines, including computer science, digital business and even chemistry with AI, at universities and colleges in Ireland.
Why it is important
The importance of the program is emphasized by the reality that many communities in Ireland continue to face barriers to access the most important digital skills. Women make up only 21% of Ireland’s Stem students, and only 15% of poorly placed students progress from bachelor to postgraduate education, according to a HEA report from 2023.
The scholarship program invests in students to become future leaders in AI and digital security and aim to create a more representative field by supporting under -represented groups. It is a real achievement that the first cohort of students comes from 15 counties over Ireland, that 40% of students in the first cohort are women and that there are participants with disabilities and members of the Traveler Society to get the most possible out of this AI option.
At the event, we also heard from Minister Lawless before a panel where DCU academics discussed the role of education in providing fair access to our common digital future. The conversation could not be more timely considering the significant societal and financial opportunities offered. AI could potentially contribute up to 45 billion euros to Ireland’s GDP in the next decade, so it is important to promote talent in this area.
What’s the there ahead
Over the next year, several students have the opportunity to participate in the program and play their role in creating a more just and technologically advanced Irish society. Those who are looking for more information and how to apply can do so on the Insight’s Website. We are proud to support this initiative and look forward to seeing how these scholars make their mark.