connect 2018 • 31 the success story of the dcu access programme • 93% of Access Scholars complete their studies • 53% go on the Master’s level or higher • 96% find employment who benefits from the access programme? Over 1,000 scholars are currently enrolled in the Access Programme. They are all students under the age of 23 who have completed a Leaving Certificate and are from one of the following target groups: • Students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds living in Ireland • 1st generation students with no history of 3rd level education in the family • Students residing in North Dublin in communities with lowest progression to third level education • Students experiencing double disadvantage (disability and socio-economic disadvantage) • Young people in the care of the State • Young carers • Members of the Traveller community • Between 8,000 – 10,000 primary and secondary school students partake in DCU Access Initiatives to expose them to college aspirations and mentors what has support from the ireland funds made possible? • Grants from The Ireland Funds totalling €53,882 supported 45 Access scholars in 2016/17. • Grants from The Ireland Funds totalling €24,800 from 2011 to 2015 funded the Access Maths Outreach Initiative.