This article highlights 50 Irish companies, programmes, and initiatives that are actively working to make education more diverse and inclusive. This is the first part of two articles showcasing these efforts, with a focus on enhancing access to education for underrepresented groups. The featured organisations include a mix of nonprofits, educational institutions, and businesses, all dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the educational landscape of Ireland. These initiatives range from supporting people with disabilities to creating more opportunities for people from marginalized backgrounds, demonstrating a growing commitment to inclusivity across sectors.

Through school programmes, workshops, interactive games, videos, and activities, AgriKids introduces young learners to the world of farm safety while also fostering an appreciation for nature and food production.

Children explore topics such as farm and field safety, animal safety and wellbeing, tractor and machinery safety as well as personal care and wellbeing, the content is delivered in engaging ways that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills.  The AgriKids approach to farm safety education empowers children to become instinctively aware of safe behaviours, to de-normalise unsafe practices on farms and to ultimately create a socially sustainable approach to farm safety awareness and practice.

We undertake national research relating to the inclusion of students with disabilities, contribute to national policy forums and provide professional development opportunities to develop the capacity of staff in FET and higher education to be more inclusive.

AHEAD works with graduates and employers through the GET AHEAD Graduate Forum and the WAM Mentored Work Placement Programme.” For third level students and graduates with disabilities AHEAD host various events including our Think Twice employability workshops as well as Building the Future, an annual careers fair specifically for students and graduates with disabilities. At Building the Future which takes places in Dublin in May final year students and graduates can meet prospective employers, get advice on their CV/cover letters or have mock-interviews to get some interview experience and feedback, before they embark on their professional careers.The WAM Programme provides paid and mentored work placements with inclusive employers, giving graduates with disabilities hands-on experience and valuable insights into the workplace. All WAM placements offer a minimum of a six-month contract and in recent years there has been a significant increase in employers offering contracts for longer than six-months. Students and graduates can learn more about WAM, hear about current job opportunities and  GetAHEAD workshops and resources by joining our WAMworks“

Their vision encompasses empowering migrant parents, building resilience, promoting integration, fostering inclusion, and encouraging positive parenting practices supported by community services.

The company offers a range of services, including tailor-made training sessions, cultural evenings to celebrate diversity, casual coffee mornings for networking and friendship-building, and projects like “The Power to Dream,” aimed at inspiring residents of direct provision centres to believe in their ability to dream of a better future. Alexia Press Hub also provides membership opportunities for individuals interested in collaborative ideas and shared visions to build a better Ireland. With a focus on education, empowerment, and advocacy, Alexia Press Hub endeavours to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for migrant families in Ireland, while also celebrating the richness of cultural diversity within the nation.

Supported by professionals in various fields, including psychology, education, and design, Alex’s Adventure aims to equip individuals with the tools to make informed choices and combat substance misuse.

Their and Nicole’s awards include Humanitarian of The Year 2018, Best Showcase Ignite 2019 IRD Duhallow Best Start-up 2019 and Pride of Cork Award 2021

Through campaigns, policy work, and research initiatives, AONTAS promotes the value and importance of adult education in personal, professional, and societal development. They support and provide resources for adult learners, educators, and organisations across Ireland, fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the adult education sector.

AONTAS strives to create a society where everyone has the opportunity to engage in lifelong learning and fulfil their potential. They have recently launched their campaign “Holding You Back,” calling for increased financial supports for adult learners.

The charity is on a mission to empower LGBTQ+ young people through youth work, education, changing attitudes and research. The organisation also supports parents and carers of LGBTQ+ young people by providing resources such as guides and information, as well as support through its new Family Support Service. 

BelongTo also runs campaigns throughout the year around issues like mental health and anti-LGBTQ+ bullying, including the Stand Up Awareness Week campaign in schools, Youthreach centres and youth groups across Ireland every November, as well as providing training and support to corporate companies.

Celebrating students’ achievements through virtual exhibitions, they aim to build creative capacity and global citizenship. The program is free for all, breaking down barriers to inclusion and emphasising creativity as a hard skill vital for societal progress.

With a diverse community of mentors, they’re on a mission to create a better world through creative innovation.

Students can complete this work on a part-time basis, flexibly around their studies, building their portfolio of experience while at university.” Bowsy then provides helpful information through their blog on building a portfolio, skills development, or interview skills so that the students that use their platform can use this information to increase their chances of employment.”

Their approach emphasises understanding, problem-solving, and critical thinking, ensuring students develop strong foundational skills. With a commitment to excellence and accessibility, Breakthrough Maths aims to empower students to excel academically and overcome challenges in mathematics.

Through their dynamic and engaging programs, they strive to make learning maths enjoyable and rewarding for every student.

This platform also empowers learners by offering course materials in multiple formats, such as audio, ePub, and braille, while supporting instructors with guides and self-paced courses to improve their accessibility skills.

By integrating Brickfields toolkit, institutions can ensure that their online courses are accessible to all students, regardless of their needs. The platform’s learner supports help students customise their digital experience, while instructor tools guide teachers in creating accessible content. With its comprehensive approach, Brickfield not only addresses current accessibility issues but also prepares institutions to maintain high standards of inclusivity in the future.

His notable achievements include creating and selling Connector, an international digital consultancy business, which grew from his own humble personal brand. 

He established himself as a respected digital business designer, and now after selling Connector, he has reinvented himself as a self-styled Career Designer.

As part of his own career journey, Conor conducted extensive research on career development, uncovering that despite extensive new career opportunities, many people struggle to take them. Conor is therefore committed to guiding others on their career journeys, helping them to take control and seize opportunities for growth. 

Career Lab stands out by offering comprehensive accelerator programs that go beyond traditional career advice to get a job. His innovative approach is designed to map multiple career paths, including employment, and self-employment, sometimes simultaneously. 

Additionally, his career accelerator program aims to empower career seekers through personalised career plans, but with a focus on small steps towards big ideas. With resources like free eBooks and engaging content, Career Lab ensures that ambitious talented individuals stay informed about the latest career trends and tools to enhance their professional growth.

Career Lab is hosting some free interactive career events in Dublin this summer, to bring his career collaboration ideas to life. 

Join Career Lab today to embark on a transformative journey and take the first step towards realising your personal potential.

Graduates emerge with a solid foundation in coding languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and more, ready to pursue careers in tech. Committed to accessibility and career readiness, The Code Institute empowers individuals worldwide to transition into rewarding roles in the rapidly evolving field of technology.

Through hands-on projects and workshops, participants develop problem-solving abilities, computational thinking, and digital literacy. CoderDojo emphasises inclusivity, welcoming learners of all backgrounds and skill levels. With thousands of dojos worldwide, CoderDojo inspires the next generation of tech innovators, equipping them with the tools to shape the future.

These workshops cater to different skill levels, from beginners to more advanced learners, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to improve their skills and gain confidence in a supportive environment.

In addition to technical workshops, Coding Grace also hosts networking events, hackathons, and talks to help foster a sense of community among its participants and encourage collaboration.

Beyond just teaching coding skills, Coding Grace is deeply committed to building an inclusive tech culture in Ireland. It collaborates with various companies, educational institutions, and community groups to provide resources and opportunities that support diversity in tech. The organisation emphasises the importance of creating safe and welcoming spaces where all participants feel valued and empowered to learn and grow. By focusing on both technical education and community-building, Coding Grace aims to not only increase diversity in tech but also to challenge and change the broader cultural norms within the industry. Through its initiatives, the organisation continues to make significant strides toward a more inclusive and equitable tech community in Ireland, inspiring participants to pursue careers in technology and become advocates for diversity and inclusion in their workplaces and beyond.

CGI believes that effective corporate governance is vital for sustainable business success and stakeholder confidence, aiming to equip individuals and organisations with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to navigate complex governance challenges and foster integrity within their operations.

Their services include training workshops, certification programs, consultancy services, and research publications, all geared towards advancing corporate governance practices and standards. CGI serves as a hub for networking and collaboration among governance professionals, facilitating knowledge exchange, peer learning, and thought leadership in the field. By bringing together industry experts, policymakers, regulators, and academics, CGI fosters a dynamic and inclusive community dedicated to driving continuous improvement and innovation in corporate governance practices. Overall, CGI plays a pivotal role in shaping the corporate governance landscape in Ireland and beyond, serving as a trusted resource and advocate for excellence in governance principles and practices across diverse industries and sectors.

y offering coding programs tailored to the needs of marginalised communities, Codú seeks to empower them with valuable skills and opportunities in the tech industry. Their commitment to inclusivity extends beyond training, fostering a supportive community that champions diversity and equal access to career advancement.

Codú’s efforts contribute to a more equitable workforce, where everyone has the chance to thrive in the digital age.

These specialised programmes cater to and support diverse learning requirements and ensure that barriers to inclusion and participation for the Disability Community are overcome.

Our Creative TY Connections Program (CTYC) is a multi- modular programme that brings together adults with disabilities and transition year students (TY). TY students are paired with members of the disability community for a mutual learning and development programme that integrates financial, digital, interpersonal and social skills training. The programme is led through creativity, making it more accessible, and is supported by accessible online learning.

This programme counters the isolation and disconnection young adults with disabilities face when they leave secondary education. It builds confidence and a sense of belonging. It acts as a pathway to community education by creating community ties and by supporting the development of practical skills, elevating the potential for socioeconomic engagement.

 It also challenges misconceptions, fostering appreciation and respect for others. It empowers all participants with the TY students learning that they can make a real difference. This results in improved acceptance and inclusion.

CWiT’s Retain Pillar develops and delivers a peer network across top IT companies in Ireland, supporting the growth and development of the female workforce.

Through CWiT’s Promote Pillar, companies have opportunities to attend networking events, showcase female role models, and strengthen & scale diversity, equity, and inclusivity programs within their organisations

To date, the charity has spoken directly to 75,000 children and 15,000 parents. They also run annual campaigns, including ‘Same Rules Apply’ and ‘CyberBreak’, and publish Trends and Usage data. CyberSafeKids’ mission is to make the online world safer for children and children safer online. They do this through education, giving voice to children’s online experiences, and by being a fierce advocate for children’s online safety. www.cybersafekids.ie

Through innovative approaches such as workshops, and community events, DiP also promotes inclusion and integration by conducting workshops with organisations / community groups working with the new communities. The workshops cover the following topics; 

• Refugee Support Work – Understanding Direct Provision, and the experiences of international protection applicants and refugees; 
• Unity in diversity – Understanding different cultures, root causes of racism & prejudice; 
• Diversity & Inclusion – how to increase involvement of new communities  in community development projects, opportunity for community workers to explore, develop and promote inclusive practices for the benefit of all.  

Dignity Partnership was  founded by Rosemary Kunene in 2019 while living in the Direct Provision system. DiP strives to foster inclusion, dignity, and empowerment among individuals transitioning to life in Ireland.

Through its work, ETBI aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of education and training in Ireland, ensuring that these services meet the needs of all learners, regardless of their background or location.

In addition to its advocacy role, ETBI offers a wide range of services to support ETBs in their work. These include professional development opportunities, policy development support, and guidance on governance and compliance issues. ETBI also fosters collaboration and networking among ETBs, facilitating the sharing of resources and expertise. By providing these services, ETBI helps to build capacity within the ETBs and improve the overall effectiveness of Ireland’s education and training system. Moreover, ETBI is committed to promoting inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation in education, aligning with national and international goals for lifelong learning and skills development. Through its leadership and support, ETBI plays a crucial role in shaping the future of education and training in Ireland.

Fighting Words mission lies in the conviction that every child deserves the opportunity to express themselves creatively and have their stories heard. Through a supportive and inclusive environment, young writers are encouraged to unleash their imagination, refine their writing abilities, and build self-assurance.

Trained volunteer writing mentors and professional writers guide participants through the storytelling process, from generating ideas to refining drafts, fostering a sense of ownership over their narratives. Additionally, Fighting Words emphasises collaboration and community involvement, forging partnerships with educational institutions, libraries, and youth organisations to broaden their reach and impact. By harnessing the power of storytelling to cultivate connections, empathy, and positive change, Fighting Words empowers the next generation of storytellers to share their unique perspectives and make their voices heard.

Additionally, it provides targeted services for vulnerable youth, addressing issues such as poverty, school underachievement, and substance abuse.

This initiative provides support, resources, and opportunities for women passionate about racing, aiming to create a more inclusive environment in the motorsports industry.

Formula Female organises events, workshops, and mentorship programs tailored to support women aspiring to careers or hobbies in Formula racing. Additionally, it collaborates with racing teams, sponsors, and governing bodies to promote gender diversity and equality within the sport. 

An example of this is their flagship programme Sim 4 STEM. It is present in Ireland and the US and launched last year ahead of the Indy 500 in Dallara Indycar factory with over 200 high school girls. 

Students step into the various roles found within a Motorsport team through hands on activities simulating these roles, giving the girls the opportunity to experience it and become inspired to achieve it. 

The company serves as a platform to celebrate and empower women in motorsports, fostering a community where female racers can excel and inspire future generations.

President’s Award Leaders deliver, guide and support Gaisce Participants undertaking the Award. At the Bronze Level, participants must complete 13 weeks for each Challenge Area, 26 weeks for Silver and 53 weeks for Gold.

The awards are designed to be challenging but achievable, promoting perseverance, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment.

Gaisce is not just about individual development; it also emphasises community engagement and leadership. Participants often take part in activities such as volunteering, learning new skills, and engaging in physical fitness, which benefit both themselves and their communities. The program is supported by over 1,200 President’s Award Leaders (PALs), who mentor and guide participants throughout their Gaisce journey. Additionally, the award strongly emphasises inclusivity, encouraging young people from all backgrounds to participate. By providing a structured yet flexible framework for personal growth, the Gaisce Award has significantly impacted the lives of thousands of young Irish people, helping them realise their potential and contribute positively to society.

To date, more than 480,000 young people have registered for Gaisce, and over 250,000 young people have achieved a Gaisce Award. 

The National Apprenticeship Office

The National Apprenticeship Office is the lead agency responsible for apprenticeship on behalf of Government, working in close partnership with employers, the Higher Education Authority, Quality and Qualifications Ireland, industry and education and training providers across further and higher education.

Apprenticeship is a programme of structured education and training which formally combines and alternates learning in the workplace with learning in an education or training centre. Apprentices earn while they learn and build valuable work-ready skills in a chosen occupation. Apprenticeships open up exciting and rewarding careers, with learning grounded in the practical experience of undertaking a real job. Helping more people discover and develop their talents through training is at the heart of the national apprenticeship system. The National Apprenticeship Office is working on delivering a number of objectives of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025, which include delivering equity of opportunity in accessing apprenticeship for all and including the voice of underrepresented cohorts in apprenticeship.

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National Apprenticeship Office

Brief Overview -The National Apprenticeship Office is the lead agency responsible for apprenticeship in Ireland. Apprenticeship is a programme of structured education and training which formally combines and alternates learning in the workplace with learning in an education or training centre.