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DCU supports equality for young people charting a course to third-level

Dublin City University is launching an exciting new initiative, 'Financing Your Career - A Career Exploration Programme for Senior Cycle Students', to open up the world of career opportunities to second level students in North Dublin who experience barriers to educational opportunity. The programme, co-ordinated jointly by DCU's Access Service and School of Education Studies and funded by Citi Foundation, will offer a series of events, workshops and summer schools for students, parents, guidance counsellors and teachers to promote career options including third-level education as a viable option, regardless of socio-cultural or economic circumstances.

Speaking at the launch of the programme in St. Mary's Holy Faith School, Glasnevin, Professor Brian MacCraith, President of DCU said:

'The Financing Your Career programme, supported by the Citi Foundation, is all about empowering students to overcome barriers to education and to realise their full potential. We believe that the programme will encourage the participants, who are at a pivotal point in their career decision-making, to make informed decisions in setting and managing their future career goals in a rapidly changing world. We particularly value the crucial role of guidance counsellors in supporting young people with making their personal, educational and career choices.'

A series of workshops will be delivered by DCU Access staff in 23 participating DEIS schools during which senior cycle students will build a portfolio of their career journey, assisting them in making informed choices about their future career and study plans. Students, parents and guidance counsellors will participate jointly in Financial Management workshops focussing on financial planning options for third level education such as higher education grants, scholarships and budgeting skills.

Finally, during a two-week summer school, students will be offered a unique opportunity to experience life at DCU as an undergraduate student, sampling the wide range of courses and facilities on offer at the university. The summer school will be rounded off with a final graduation ceremony, hosted by DCU President, Professor Brian MacCraith, which will act as both a celebration and recognition of student learning.

Also in attendance at the launch was Brian Hayes, Head of Global Transaction

Services and Head of Citi Innovation Labs EMEA who said,

'On behalf of the Citi Foundation, I am very pleased to launch today, the

'Financing your Career' programme in partnership with the DCU Access Service.

At Citi, we support community development through funding innovative programmes such as this. This programme will directly support potential access students to plan their future careers and to learn how to manage their financial affairs with the ultimate aim of successfully obtaining a third level qualification.'