Following on from Part 1 and Part 2, I wanted to focus on programmes that second-level or third-level students can apply to. All of these programmes are extracurricular programmes that are designed to enhance the students’ educational experience and give them a more rounded view of the world, their industry or awards they can apply to receive external approval for their work. This is part 2. If you prefer to view a summary, please view this video
The National Youth Assembly of Ireland was set up by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (now the Department of Children, Disability and Equality) to give young people a proper say in public policy. It’s not one single event but an overarching structure that hosts different assemblies throughout the year on topics that matter to young people, with the Climate Assembly and the Rural Youth Assembly happening every year, plus up to two others on different themes, like the one held on artificial intelligence back in 2022. Around 60 delegates aged 12 to 24 sit on the Assembly for an 18-month term, nominated through local Comhairle na nÓg youth councils or established youth organisations, with selection aiming for a proper mix of backgrounds, ages, genders and geography.
Delegates get to attend meetings, feed into upcoming government policy, and make recommendations straight to departments and ministers, while a smaller Youth Advisory Group helps plan and co-facilitate each assembly. It grew out of a commitment in the 2020 Programme for Government, and it’s run in partnership with the National Participation Office alongside the government department that owns the topic being discussed.
The NYCI Climate Youth Delegate Programme operates as a flagship national initiative established by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications in collaboration with the National Youth Council of Ireland. Designed for individuals aged eighteen to twenty-five, the programme appoints a dedicated young delegate to serve an intensive eighteen-to-twenty-month term. Selected representatives are integrated directly into Ireland’s official delegation for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) processes, including the annual Conference of the Parties (COP) and subsidiary body meetings.
Beyond participating in high-level international diplomacy alongside government ministers and officials, delegates bridge grassroots advocacy and state policy.
They travel across communities nationwide to consult with youth networks, gather innovative solutions, and raise public awareness surrounding climate action. By cultivating public speaking, public diplomacy, and leadership skills, the initiative ensures that fresh, generational insights meaningfully shape Ireland’s domestic and international environmental commitments.
One Young World operates as a premier global community dedicated to identifying, promoting, and connecting the world’s most impactful young changemakers. Convening thousands of delegates from more than 190 countries, the initiative provides an intensive annual summit where emerging leaders aged eighteen to thirty collaborate directly with renowned global figures, including politicians, corporate executives, and activists. Attendees engage in high-level plenary sessions, workshops, and networking events focused on critical international issues such as environmental crisis management, poverty alleviation, human rights, and corporate social responsibility.
Beyond the flagship conference, the organisation functions as a year-round catalyst for leadership development through targeted digital initiatives, localised ambassador networks, and extensive scholarship opportunities.
Participants leverage these resources to scale their civic ventures, secure vital funding, and drive systemic change within their home regions. Ultimately, the movement empowers a diverse generation of ethical decision-makers to build lasting transnational partnerships, ensuring that fresh, innovative perspectives directly influence high-level strategy across public, private, and non-profit sectors worldwide.
The OSCE Chairpersonship Youth Forum nomination initiative operates as a collaborative national selection process managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs alongside the National Youth Council of Ireland. Designed to operationalise the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda, the program invites young citizens aged eighteen to twenty-nine to compete for official state nominations. Nominees enter a broader international pool from which the organisation’s rotating chair selects final delegates to assemble at high-level forums across Europe, ensuring gender balance and diverse geographic representation.
Selected delegates actively participate in specialised working groups and plenary debates spanning the organisation’s core dimensions, including politico-military security, economic and environmental challenges, and human rights. Participants contribute direct grassroots recommendations to inform official policy roadmaps, bridging the gap between local civil society initiatives and international diplomacy. Ultimately, the nomination pathway empowers emerging Irish leaders to gain hands-on multilateral experience, build lasting professional networks across participating states, and ensure that generational perspectives directly influence future European security architectures.
Patch operates as a premier talent development initiative aimed at identifying and accelerating the growth of Ireland’s most promising young builders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Supported by prominent backers such as Stripe, Dogpatch Labs, and the NDRC, the program brings together cohorts of exceptional teenagers and young adults for an intensive multi-week experience. Participants work collaboratively in teams to build technology startups, conduct advanced scientific research projects, or develop innovative hardware and software solutions.
Beyond hands-on project creation, the initiative surrounds participants with a powerful peer network and pairs them directly with leading mentors, founders, and industry experts.
By covering all major expenses, including accommodation, meals, and stipends, Patch ensures that access is determined entirely by potential rather than background. Ultimately, the program cultivates an ambitious Silicon Valley-style mindset, empowering the next generation of Irish leaders to scale global solutions, challenge conventional boundaries, and launch impactful ventures early in their careers.
The Plan International Ireland Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) functions as a dynamic core group of young leaders aged sixteen to twenty-four who act as official representatives, activists, and strategic advisors for the organisation. Established to ensure youth perspectives drive institutional policy, the panel focuses heavily on international solidarity, human rights, and dismantling barriers to gender equality in alignment with global frameworks like Sustainable Development Goal 5. Members spearhead impactful public campaigns, such as investigations into online gender-based violence and digital harassment, while directly participating in national events, media engagements, and political advocacy
Beyond campaign execution, the panel equips participants with robust leadership, public speaking, and lobbying skills through specialised workshops and collaborative projects.
Panellists regularly interface with policymakers, civil society networks, and international bodies to share frontline insights on issues affecting young women and girls. Ultimately, the initiative bridges grassroots activism and high-level decision-making, ensuring that the next generation of Irish human rights defenders actively shapes domestic and international policy dialogues.
The Rotary Youth Exchange is a prestigious, long-running global initiative sponsored by local Rotary clubs to promote international peace and cultural literacy. Operating in more than one hundred countries, the program enables students aged fifteen to nineteen to spend an academic year or summer living abroad with volunteer host families and attending local secondary schools. Through total immersion in daily life overseas, participants acquire fluency in a second language, gain deep empathy for differing cultural norms, and develop an expansive global perspective.
Beyond academic integration, exchange students act as unofficial cultural ambassadors, representing their home countries at local Rotary meetings, community events, and youth gatherings. The structured framework emphasises personal growth, adaptability, and leadership development, ensuring that participants return home with heightened independence and maturity.
Ultimately, the programme creates a vast, interconnected network of globally minded citizens, laying a strong foundation for international cooperation and lasting goodwill across borders.
The Young European of the Year award functions as a premier international initiative designed to spotlight individuals aged eighteen to twenty-six who demonstrate exceptional dedication to fostering a diverse, peaceful, and inclusive Europe. Targeted specifically at dynamic activists, social entrepreneurs, and civic organisers, the distinction celebrates those who have shown extraordinary personal commitment to promoting a pluralistic, open society, combating discrimination and injustice, and advancing meaningful European integration through grassroots action.
Recipients are awarded a substantial grant ranging from five thousand to ten thousand euros, which serves as vital seed capital to fund a custom, self-designed project promoting core European values, or to support a high-level institutional internship.
In addition to direct financial backing, laureates gain access to an exclusive, broad transnational network of young leaders and mentors, secure high-profile public relations support to amplify their civic initiatives, and earn a distinguished seat on the jury for the annual Schwarzkopf Europe Award.
The SFI Research Centres programme, now integrated under the national agency Research Ireland, serves as a cornerstone of the Irish innovation ecosystem by establishing world-class, large-scale research entities. These centres connect top-tier academic researchers from higher education institutions across Ireland with hundreds of multinational corporations, indigenous small-and-medium enterprises, and public sector stakeholders. By pooling substantial state investment with co-funding from industry partners, the initiative tackles critical, complex fields, ranging from data analytics, software engineering, and advanced manufacturing to medical devices, marine renewables, and sustainable agriculture.
Beyond generating breakthrough scientific discoveries and cutting-edge commercial technologies, the centres prioritise the development of highly skilled talent.
They train cohorts of postgraduate students and early-career researchers in demand-driven technical and transferable competencies, preparing them for leadership roles in both industry and academia. Furthermore, the programme integrates structured public engagement and regional development initiatives, ensuring that the advancements produced translate into tangible economic, environmental, and societal benefits for communities throughout Ireland.
Seanad na nÓg operates as a flagship youth parliament initiative facilitated by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in partnership with the Houses of the Oireachtas. Designed to give secondary school students aged fifteen to eighteen a direct platform within the political sphere, the programme invites young delegates from every county to convene inside the historic chambers of Leinster House.
Participants step into the shoes of senators to debate pressing national issues, ranging from mental health and educational reform to environmental sustainability and digital safety.
Throughout the immersive session, delegates draft motions, deliver speeches from the floor, and vote on legislative proposals under the guidance of experienced parliamentary officials and youth leaders. The initiative is explicitly structured to demystify the democratic process, build essential public speaking and advocacy skills, and foster active civic participation from an early age. Crucially, the final resolutions and policy recommendations formulated by the young participants are compiled and formally presented to government ministers and Oireachtas committees, ensuring that generational insights directly inform real legislative agendas in Ireland.
The National Student Engagement Programme (NStEP) awards system is designed to recognise and validate the significant efforts students make in enhancing engagement and collaboration within Irish higher education institutions. By participating in NStEP’s structured training and development opportunities, students acquire and hone essential leadership, representation, and communication skills. These awards serve as a formal testament to the work carried out by student representatives, ensuring that their dedication to advocating for their peers and improving academic environments is acknowledged at a national level.
The awards are primarily issued in the form of verified digital badges, which allow students to showcase their achievements across various online platforms, such as LinkedIn. This portability makes them a valuable asset for students as they transition into professional careers, providing a clear demonstration of the competencies gained through their engagement roles.
Through these Recognition and Milestone awards, NStEP creates a culture of appreciation, encouraging ongoing student involvement in quality assurance and institutional development, while simultaneously supporting students in building a comprehensive record of their personal and professional growth throughout their time in higher education.
StudentVolunteer.ie is a prominent online interactive platform connecting higher education students across Ireland with local, national, and international volunteering opportunities. Developed as a collaborative network among Irish third-level institutions, led by the University of Limerick alongside partners such as UCD, UCC, TU Dublin, and University of Galway, the platform matches student skills and interests with nonprofits, charities, schools, hospitals, and community action projects.
The website serves as a centralised hub where students can easily browse roles, filter opportunities by county, category, or Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and apply directly using their institutional login credentials
Furthermore, it enables participants to track their engagement, log volunteer hours, and build a verified Volunteer Portfolio. This portfolio helps students gain formal recognition, apply for university awards, and develop crucial transversal skills to boost their CVs while making a tangible economic and social impact.
Start up Accelerators
Irish higher education institutions play a pivotal role in the national startup ecosystem, acting as vibrant incubators for student entrepreneurs, academic researchers, and early-stage companies. Across universities, technological universities, and campus-linked hubs, these accelerators actively bridge the critical gap between raw laboratory research and scalable commercial enterprise.
Prominent academic hubs include University College Dublin’s NovaUCD, which runs specialised tracks like the VentureLaunch Accelerator and the AI Ecosystem Accelerator, and Trinity College Dublin, widely recognised for its Launchbox student accelerator. Similarly, institutions such as Dublin City University (DCU) and Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) provide extensive incubation space, specialised wet labs, and multi-campus workspace. Furthermore, universities frequently host regional streams of New Frontiers, the national state-backed entrepreneurship program funded by Enterprise Ireland.
These academic accelerators typically offer equity-free funding stipends, intensive lean-startup workshops, tailored mentoring from seasoned industry experts, and direct networking pathways to angel investors and venture capital funds. By leveraging institutional R&D facilities, global alumni networks, and public backing, college accelerators successfully transform campus innovations into globally competitive, high-potential businesses that drive regional economic development and technological advancement across Ireland.
The Right Focus is a flagship documentary filmmaking initiative run by Trócaire, Ireland’s official overseas development agency, designed explicitly for post-primary students and youth groups across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The programme empowers young people to deeply investigate critical global justice issues, such as climate change, human rights, conflict, and resource inequality, using modern mobile videography, independent research, and creative storytelling techniques. Supported closely by Trócaire’s development education team through free workshops and structured resource materials, participating students research the complex root causes of international injustices and collaborate effectively to produce powerful, thought-provoking short films.
The initiative aims to challenge pervasive stereotypes, build genuine empathy, and cultivate robust critical thinking skills, inspiring the next generation to act as informed, passionate global citizens.
The project ultimately culminates in an annual national awards ceremony supported by Irish Aid, where student-made documentaries are publicly screened and category winners are celebrated. By seamlessly combining creative media production with comprehensive global citizenship education, the programme provides a dynamic, engaging platform for youth voices to influence public discourse, raise vital awareness, and drive meaningful social action within their local communities and across broader societal networks.
The Youth Leadership Programme is an esteemed international initiative run by Trócaire, Ireland’s official overseas development agency, which is specifically designed to empower young people aged 15 to 18 to become active global citizens and powerful agents of positive social change within society. Rooted deeply in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the comprehensive educational curriculum centers heavily on climate justice, international human rights, and systemic inequality, connecting local youth experiences directly to complex worldwide challenges through engaging collaborative discussions and interactive workshops. Furthermore, participants receive ongoing mentorship from experienced activists, gain valuable project management skills, and connect with international networks of like-minded young leaders who share a common vision for global justice, environmental protection, peacebuilding, and humanitarian solidarity.
Spanning several transformative months across the academic year, the initiative incorporates intensive residential retreats and specialised training modules where participants build essential competencies in critical thinking, public speaking, advocacy, and grassroots campaigning
Upon successful completion of the course, enthusiastic graduates return to their local youth groups and schools across Ireland fully equipped to design and lead impactful educational workshops, inspiring wider peer networks to take meaningful, long-term action for a fairer world while building a sustainable, equitable future for all communities globally.
The gradireland Undergraduate of the Year Awards serve as a prominent platform designed to identify and celebrate exceptional undergraduate talent across Ireland. By connecting high-achieving students with top-tier graduate employers, the initiative provides a unique opportunity for participants to increase their professional visibility before completing their studies. The awards aim to help students distinguish themselves in a competitive job market, offering a pathway to gain significant real-world experience, build valuable industry connections, and showcase their potential to leading organisations.
The programme features nine distinct award categories, each partnered with a prestigious sponsoring employer, such as Aldi, Deloitte, and PwC.
These partnerships provide winners with exclusive rewards, which may include guaranteed places on graduate programmes, professional mentoring, summer internships, and monetary prizes. Since candidates are restricted to entering only one category, students are encouraged to carefully review the available options, ranging from Female Leadership and Future Entrepreneur to Legal and Sustainable Excellence, to ensure their application aligns with their skills and career goals. Prospective applicants should monitor the official website for the opening of future application cycles.
The United Nations Youth Delegate Programme in Ireland is a prestigious public diplomacy initiative managed by the National Youth Council in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs. Launched to bridge the gap between grassroots youth experiences and international policymaking, the program selects two young people aged 18 to 25 annually to serve as official members of Ireland’s delegation to the United Nations. Throughout their intensive mandate, delegates engage deeply with diverse communities across the island of Ireland to consult on pressing issues such as climate action, environmental sustainability, systemic inequality, peacebuilding, and human rights.
They then bring these vital perspectives directly to major international forums, including the UN General Assembly, specialised committees, and high-level diplomatic sessions.
By directly involving talented youth in foreign policy, international relations, and global governance, the initiative empowers the next generation of visionary leaders to act as genuine agents of positive transformation and lasting peace. Ultimately, this invaluable public diplomacy program ensures that authentic young voices actively help shape critical international decisions affecting a sustainable, equitable future for every community globally today, inspiring ongoing civic action, cross-cultural collaboration, and meaningful leadership development across society.
As summer reaches its peak in August, the spotlight turns toward homegrown Irish enterprises that capture the vibrant spirit of the season. From artisan food makers and craft beverage producers to local innovators gearing up for late-summer festivals, small businesses across the country are driving local economic momentum. Consumers are increasingly seeking out authentic, locally sourced products, creating a thriving marketplace for regional makers who pride themselves on quality and tradition. Highlighting these independent brands not only celebrates their craftsmanship but also fosters a deeper connection between communities and the diverse products manufactured right on our doorstep.
Simultaneously, the corporate landscape is evolving rapidly as Irish organisations increasingly prioritise digital accessibility and inclusive leadership. Compliance with modern frameworks, such as the European Accessibility Act, ensures that digital spaces are welcoming and functional for all users, reinforcing the value of equity in everyday business operations. Leaders who champion these standards are setting a high benchmark for corporate responsibility, proving that accessibility and innovation go hand in hand. By embracing both local commercial talent and progressive digital practices, Ireland’s business ecosystem continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, adaptability, and forward-thinking vision.
The Washington Ireland Program is a prestigious civic leadership and professional development initiative that brings promising young leaders and university students from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland together in mutual cooperation. Established in 1995, the program is specifically designed to foster peace, reconciliation, and cross-community collaboration by cultivating a brand new generation of diverse leaders dedicated to building a shared future across the entire island. The core initiative centres intensely on personal development, public policy debate, civic responsibility, and rigorous community service, challenging all participants to actively bridge historical political, cultural, and sectarian divides today.
Each year, selected higher education students participate in a transformative and highly immersive year-long journey that features prestigious high-profile work placements in Washington, District of Columbia, offering direct first-hand exposure to government policy, global diplomacy, and international leadership. Through the expanded WIP Academy, ambitious young leaders aged eighteen to twenty-five also receive specialised training, network building, and professional mentorship. Ultimately, passionate alumni form a powerful, lifelong network of dedicated changemakers who have successfully gone on to hold prominent leadership roles across politics, business, law, media, and community sectors throughout modern Ireland today.
The European Commission’s Young Energy Ambassadors programme is a high-profile initiative designed to strengthen youth engagement, leadership, and impact in the European Union’s clean energy sector and climate policy. Launched to bridge the gap between young European citizens and institutional decision-makers, the programme aims to increase youth involvement in sustainable energy policymaking, boost interest in green careers, and recognise contributions to the clean energy transition. Every year, an open call selects a diverse cohort of thirty young people aged eighteen to thirty-five from across Europe, including member states and neighbouring partner countries. These participants come from varied backgrounds, ranging from academic studies and grassroots climate activism to green entrepreneurship and technical professions.
Selected ambassadors serve an active one-year mandate that officially kicks off during the annual European Sustainable Energy Week.
Throughout the year, they participate in intensive policy workshops, high-level dialogues, webinars, and public outreach campaigns, alongside a dedicated mentorship scheme pairing them with seasoned energy experts. Ambassadors also collaborate to draft concrete recommendations for European policymakers, addressing crucial topics such as renewable energy communities, green skills development, and net-zero infrastructure standards to ensure authentic youth perspectives drive European climate governance.
Young Reporters for the Environment Ireland is a prominent environmental education and citizen journalism initiative coordinated nationally by An Taisce as a vital foundational part of the global Foundation for Environmental Education network. The programme actively engages young people aged eleven to twenty-five across secondary schools, third-level academic institutions, and community youth groups, empowering them to investigate pressing local environmental challenges such as global climate change, biodiversity loss, plastic pollution, and sustainable food systems while proposing constructive, highly actionable solutions today. Participants creatively express their investigative findings through diverse professional media formats.
These include comprehensive written investigative articles, compelling photo stories, dynamic video reportage, and engaging podcasts.
All submissions are entered into an exciting annual national competition categorised by distinct age groups, with winning entries advancing directly to the prestigious international YRE competition to proudly represent Ireland on the global stage. By blending rigorous environmental advocacy with practical communication, digital media skills, and journalistic integrity, the initiative equips the next generation to raise public awareness and drive meaningful sustainability action within their local communities across the nation now.
Young Social Innovators (YSI) is a prominent non-profit organisation that champions social innovation education for young people, primarily across Ireland. By encouraging teenagers and students to tap into their creativity, insights, and passions, YSI provides structured frameworks for them to design, develop, and deliver impactful action projects. These youth-led initiatives tackle a diverse array of pressing local, national, and global issues, such as mental health, climate change, equality, and sustainable living, often aligning closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through signature programmes, educational resources, and events like the annual Speak Out tour and awards, YSI equips educators and gives young citizens a powerful platform and agency.
Over the past twenty-five years, the organisation has successfully empowered hundreds of thousands of participants. By fostering critical skills like leadership, empathy, and project management, YSI cultivates active, creative citizens who are inspired to reimagine a fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable world for the benefit of people, communities, and the planet.