DCU Access and Schools
DCU Access is the largest and longest-running programme of its kind in Ireland. The service provides pathways and supports for students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds to attend the University. Many of these students come from DCU's 25 linked secondary schools in North Dublin.
DCU Access gives post-primary students opportunities to engage with DCU from the Junior cycle right through to the Leaving Certificate. The service organises a range of activities for these students with the aim of encouraging them to consider third-level education as a realistic option for their future.
Every year, more than 2,500 Post-primary students from schools in local communities attend on-campus and other events organised by DCU Access. These include Maths Quizzes for Junior Cycle students, STEM and multimedia activities, pre-university preparation courses, careers workshops, taster lectures and information sessions on how to apply to the HEAR and DARE grant schemes.
The DCU Access service philosophy is based on the idea of a Cycle of Engagement.
This means that once they enter DCU, our Access students get the opportunity to work as Student Ambassadors who support the next generation. The main motivation for students to become ambassadors is to support their younger peers by sharing their own experiences of making the transition to university.
They are also a source of inspiration for any young person from disadvantaged backgrounds considering college as an option.