![SS&D - DCU Access header](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/scholarship_editor/2022-11/SS%26D_2_0.png?itok=EFH482f4)
Community Outreach Programmes
In addition to its outreach work in schools, DCU Access aims to promote inclusion and diversity by working collaboratively with statutory, community and voluntary organisations to support individuals from under-represented groups who would like to access and complete a course at university.
DCU aspires to increase the number of underrepresented students in the University to ensure that our student body reflects the diversity of Irish society.
If you are a non-traditional learner (no longer in the school system) and have any questions about applying to university, funding opportunities, or available support, contact us by emailing: widening.participation@dcu.ie
![Group visiting the library](/sites/default/files/styles/user_defined/public/hrexplore_access/2024-08/img_20240815_115944.jpg?itok=NspdkhyY)
Group visiting the library
![Headstart in the Community Starter Pack](/sites/default/files/styles/traditional_television/public/hrexplore_access/2024-08/20231023_125514.jpg?itok=SETzVrrx)
Headstart in the Community Starter Pack
Headstart is a short programme offered to anyone seeking to pursue their education journey with a view to progress on to Further or/and Higher Education.
This programme is being offered by DCU in the Community and DCU Access in an effort to extend access to education to:
- People from communities lacking a strong tradition of participation in third-level education.
- Adults who have been out of education for a long time, or who did not complete a Leaving Certificate.
- People whose skills no longer allow them to access the labour market.
![Lecturer teaching students in a classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/traditional_television/public/hrexplore_access/2024-08/img_20240213_112013_0.jpg?itok=Emp8gCzl)
Training session with peer mentors
Change Makers is a mentoring programme funded by College Connect which aims to create a transformative experience for all participants, mentors and mentees, through participatory and experiential activities.
The programme brings together students from under-represented groups with 2nd year students from our BA in Social Sciences and Cultural Innovation. It is run in partnership with the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences in DCU, Youthreach and Trinity Comprehensive in Ballymun.
If you currently work with one of the groups identified by the National Access Plan, you may be interested in running the programme in your organisation.
For more information, contact: Laurence Van der Haegen, Widening Participation Outreach Officer at laurence.vanderhaegen@dcu.ie.
![A group of parents sitting at a lecture](/sites/default/files/styles/user_defined/public/hrexplore_access/2024-08/20240410_142559.jpg?itok=x7Qf0OKX)
Students attending a lecture
Teaching as a Career - 13th Nov'24
If you are passionate about Education or interested in a career in teaching, why not join our talk to explore all teaching courses at DCU?
The talk will cover teaching courses from the DCU Institute of Education:
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Early childhood education
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Primary teaching
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Post-Primary teaching
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Further education and training
Also find out all the supports available to you if you are a HEAR/DARE eligible student. Current and past students will share their experiences studying in DCU.
Date: Wed 13th Nov’24, 6 - 8pm
Location: tbc
Registrations will open in Oct'24.