At National College of Ireland, our campus has been full of energy as there have been many different activities taking place. This week, on Monday, November 4th, 2024, Transition Year, and International high school students were welcomed to this year’s Young Future Leaders Programme.
At the induction session that was held virtually on Monday morning, NCI President, Professor Gina Quin warmly welcomed this year’s Transition Year cohort as they embarked on their four-week programme stating “We pride ourselves on supporting students making the transition from secondary school to third level education. We hope that the Young Future Leaders Programme gives you the chance to discover your own potential and where it may lead you as you explore in a diverse classroom. We hope that you find the experience enriching, inspiring, and enjoyable.”
What is the Young Future Leaders Programme?
The Young Future Leaders Programme is a unique opportunity for Irish TY students and high school students living outside of Ireland to experience college-level learning, develop essential skills for their future, and connect with peers from around the world, all from the comfort of their home or school!
Why is this programme so significant?
At National College of Ireland, we are dedicated to bridging the gap between second and third level education. We are always striving to create an environment where second level students feel welcomed and inspired. We are thrilled and proud to have adapted our award-winning Young Future Leaders Programme so that this year, Irish Transition Year (TY) students could take part for the first time. TY is a significant year; it gives students the opportunity to learn about themselves and what they may wish to study, and they have the chance to see what options are available to them. One of the most exciting aspects of the Young Future Leaders Programme is the opportunity to be part of a global classroom. As students embark on this learning journey, they will connect and collaborate, not only with students from Ireland, but also with peers from various parts of the world. Students will have the chance to share ideas, gain diverse perspectives, and create connections spanning cultures and borders.
Networking is increasingly significant part of college and work life. At NCI, we feel privileged to be able to give TY students a head start opportunity to create and expand a network for themselves before they have finished secondary school. We believe in being encouraging and proactive, like how we believe that it is never too late for a mature student to return to education, we also feel that it is never too early for a second level student to have their dreams, goals, and ambitions taken seriously and encouraged. Sometimes it just takes one small bit of encouragement for a seed to be planted, and it is exciting to think that TY students may be inspired and discover what study/career path will suit them during their time with us as they take part in NCI’s Young Future Leaders Programme.
“You are the future, and here at the National College of Ireland, we will support you as you develop the necessary skills and networking abilities to help impact your local community and your future career. We cannot wait to see all the things you will all go on to do.” - Brenda De Azevedo, Director of NCI’s Young Future Leaders Programme.
In line with National College of Ireland’s dedication to sustainability and social justice, each student who successfully completes the programme will receive a tree planted in their name and they will become part of NCI’s Forest. This gesture will serve as a reminder of their participation in the programme and reinforces the message that small actions can make an impact on both their communities and the world. Through this initiative, we aim to inspire students to continue making positive changes for a more sustainable future.
Continue Reading About NCI’s Collaboration with Tree-Nation.
Networking opportunities beyond borders
The power of networking and partnerships continue to transcend borders as Transition Year (TY) and international high school institutions were invited to register group classes for the programme. This initiative is another strong example of how networks and cross-border collaborations are enhancing access to education, both in Ireland and around the world. As part of this global outreach, Michael Galvin, NCI’s Regional Manager for Europe, CIS, Middle East, Pakistan, and Africa, recently met with representatives from Pak-Turk Maarif International Schools & Colleges in Islamabad, Pakistan. This collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening educational ties and expanding opportunities for students internationally.
At National College of Ireland, we hope that this year’s students, in Ireland and internationally, enjoy their experience taking part in the award-winning Young Future Leaders Programme. If you feel that the Young Future Leaders Programme is one that you or your students would enjoy and you would like to learn more about next year’s intake, you can visit NCI’s Events Page.
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