The Junior Achievement Our World programme, supported by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI ) and industry partner, Fidelity Investments, will reach more than 7,500 5th class students in Ireland by 2024. 480 trained science-industry volunteers are facilitating the programme, encouraging students to explore the career and education opportunities open to them in the STEM related subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths ).
The ‘Our World’ programme was launched in 2021 by Junior Achievement Ireland, which is part of the JA worldwide organisation that has recently been nominated for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. Our World is jointly supported by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI ) and industry partner, Fidelity Investments, and developed by Junior Achievement Ireland for delivery by industry-based volunteers. Working with the 10-11 year olds in their own classrooms once a week for five weeks, ‘Our World’ volunteers encourage students to appreciate the importance and relevance of STEM subjects and their links to a huge range of potential career pathways.
All involved in this collaborative effort are keen to inspire students to be aware of the opportunities available to them should they decide to continue to study subjects such as science, technology, engineering and maths. The programme provides students with opportunities to meet and engage with positive role models from industry who can share their own real-life experiences and provide them with insight in what it might be like to work in a wide variety of careers in science, technology, engineering or environment for example.
The industry volunteers help students to make links between their studies and what their post-school futures might become. Students will also get take-home materials so other family members can be involved in exploring STEM. A key focus of Our World is bridging the existing gender gap in girls pursuing careers in STEM. ‘Our World’ will have no fewer than 60% female participation levels and students will participate in partner schools across the country in Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Limerick, Galway and the Border Counties.
Research has identified that ‘fitting in’ is the most significant factor influencing a student’s choice about what subjects to choose at second level and what to do after school. ‘Our World’ encourages students to look beyond stereotypes. By seeing the relevance of science, technology and maths in their everyday lives, and working with volunteers enjoying careers in those areas, students can start to see where they can fit in to these diverse and challenging fields. As part of each programme module students develop key skills such as critical thinking, decision making, collaboration and computational thinking. These skills are recognised as life skills which are of relevance through second level and beyond.
In addition to taking part in the programme 40 classes (Ca. 1,000 students ), from DEIS schools nationally, are visiting STEM workplaces during this school year. This allows students to see STEM careers in action and take part in volunteer facilitated workshops aimed to build on the learning achieved during the Our World programme.
Lorna Martyn, SVP, Fidelity Investments Ireland, industry partner behind the Our World programme said: “Fidelity Investments Ireland are thrilled to sponsor the Our World program with JAI. Programmes such as Our World engage a diverse population of students, inspire interest and provide insights into a world of possibilities available through careers in STEM. I am a firm believer in the adage “You can’t be what you can’t see”, so knowing that our Fidelity volunteers are delivering this programme to students while also leading by example through sharing their career stories and knowledge really brings this saying to life for me”.
