Headstart in the Community Graduation
On Monday, 14th April, DCU in the Community celebrated the graduation of its hardworking students who participated in the Headstart in the Community course in Spring 2025. This course aimed to inform students of all ages and backgrounds of the opportunities in further and higher education, and looked to equip them with the skills and confidence needed to make decisions about their education journey. This course was delivered in partnership with the DCU Access service and the Ballymun Adult Education Service within the City of Dublin ETB.
Through Headstart in the Community, over twenty participants living across North Dublin came together to learn about education pathways and supports, and were offered guidance in exploring the educational opportunities available to them. Sessions were informative and participatory - focusing on building confidence, both personally and when utilizing practical skills. Classes were held within the Ballymun Education Service within the City of Dublin ETB and Dublin City University, while there were also visits to Whitehall College of Further Education and tours of the facilities across the DCU campus. As well as the course facilitators, the students engaged with guidance counsellors, academic staff, student ambassadors, learning and writing tutors, as well as assistive staff. Headstart in the Community looked to offer a holistic suite of supports to help students make an informed decision for their future.
Many of the students not only participated but thrived in the Headstart in the Community program. Many students have applied and been accepted on further education programs with plans to utilize these as 'first steps' towards attending higher education; for example, medical administration, art & sculpture, and nutrition & dietetics. We are looking forward to seeing how they progress in the future, and perhaps one day see them on the DCU campus.
The graduation ceremony welcomed the participants, their friends and family, and guest speakers, including Blake Hodkinson, Director of Further Education and Training, and Justin Rami, Director of the DCU Further Education and Training Research Centre. The ceremony took place in the Solas Room, in the U Building on DCU Glasnevin campus. It was a joyful occasion celebrating the Headstart in the Community participants. We look forward to welcoming a new cohort in the coming year.