The University of Galway's Youth Academy has renewed its partnership with leading multi-national medical device company Merit Medical.
Youth Academy is the University of Galway's flagship outreach programme for high ability pupils in primary and post-primary school. Over the next five years, the university's partnership with Merit Medical aims to enable further development of the programme, opening doors for young learners from diverse backgrounds while also inspiring young students through innovative activities and providing insights into future careers.
Since its launch in 2012 with 64 participants, Youth Academy has grown to welcome more than 8,000 young people and their families to the University of Galway campus, providing opportunities for them to explore their passions, develop new skills and experience university life with like-minded peers.
President for the University of Galway, Professor David Burns said that the renewal of this partnership "will empower and enhance the programme that Merit Medical has supported since its inception, fuelling its growth and impact for young learners across the region".
Merit Medical has significant operations in Galway employing almost 1,000 people. Since 2019, Merit Medical has supported the expansion of the Youth Academy programme to include post-primary students for the first time, reach more students in the Galway region and beyond, and has supported full scholarships for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, broadening participation and equity of access.
Mark Butler, Executive Vice President, European Operations, at Merit Medical said that the company "believes that investing in youth is investing in the future".
"By working together, we're helping to build confidence, opportunity, and connection - strengthening the community we're proud to be part of," added Butler.
Youth Academy provides high-level, Saturday classes which run over six weeks in the spring and autumn. Summer camps in science, engineering, computer science and arts are also delivered to primary and secondary school pupils by University of Galway researchers and educators who are committed to fostering a friendly, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
A recent study of the long-term impact of Youth Academy participation revealed that it has a very positive influence on chosen Leaving Cert subjects and is a motivation to study at third level. The study identified that 87 per cent of parents reported that participation had opened their child’s mind to new areas of study and possible careers. In addition, two thirds reported a positive or highly positive impact for female pupils in challenging gender stereotypes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM ) subjects.
