EQI to Lead Evaluation of NYCI’s Pioneering Youth AI Programme

EQI – The Centre for Evaluation, Quality and Inspection at Dublin City University – is delighted to have been awarded the tender to evaluate the Empowering Young People through AI, Data and Emerging Technologies programme, led by the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI).

This ambitious two-year initiative responds to urgent national concerns about the role of artificial intelligence, data, and emerging technologies in the lives of young people. Developed in partnership with Insights, DCU, and the Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO), the programme aims to foster public dialogue and meaningful engagement between data experts, communities, and young people on the societal implications of rapidly evolving technologies.

The EQI evaluation team—led by Dr Anne Rowan, Dr Aideen Cassidy, and Professor Joe O’Hara—will design and implement a comprehensive learning and evaluation framework to assess the programme’s reach, impact, and potential for sustainability.

Project coordinator Dr Anne Rowan noted:

“As evaluators, we believe that listening to diverse voices from all stakeholders—including young people—is essential to understanding the real impact of the Empowering Young People through AI, Data and Emerging Technologies programme. Through rigorous research methods that centre authentic experiences, we will generate robust findings and actionable insights that drive meaningful, lasting change in preparing young people for an AI-driven world.”

EQI looks forward to supporting this timely and important work that seeks to place young people at the centre of Ireland’s digital future.