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TRINITY ACCESS PROGRAMMES (TAP)

To harness the talent and potential available in every part of society and channel it into the Ireland of the future

TAP is at the core of Trinity’s outreach mission. Its key aims are to increase the proportion of students from low income groups progressing to higher education and to create a university campus that reflects the diversity of Irish society. TAP’s impact is best represented in the achievements of its students, contribution to campus life and the strength and effectiveness of its community links.

TAP has 452 students currently studying in Trinity and 3,500 school children involved in TAP activities in schools and on-campus. A total of 240 TAP students have graduated since 2002, and in 2008 the first TAP graduate was awarded a Ph.D. from Trinity.

In 2007 Bridge2College and University Access for Travellers Programmes were launched and the Maths & Science schools programme established.

TAP is embarking on a major strategic initiative with education and business partners intended to increase significantly educational progression levels through an Inner-City Access Programme (ICAP).

TAP endeavours to secure at least one third of the cost of all programmes from private sources including business, individuals and Trinity alumni. TAP has raised over €3M from these sources since 2005.

www.tcd.ie/Trinity_Access


BRIDGE2COLLEGE (B2C)

Innovative learning experience – New pathways to education

Bridge2College (B2C) is a partnership between Trinity College – the Centre for Research for IT in Education (CRITE) and the Trinity Access Programmes (TAP) – and Suas Educational Development. To date, B2C has provided 100s of transition year students from designated disadvantaged secondlevel schools with an innovative learning experience delivered by volunteer mentors. The programme presents the capabilities of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in a way that complements and enriches school initiatives whilst also giving the transition year students the benefits of learning from and interacting with undergraduates and postgraduates. B2C is based at Oriel House in a specially designed and decorated premises provided by Trinity and makes extensive use of the campus and facilities.

B2C is achieving very positive results with the participating students and the programme is set to grow and develop, including providing an exemplar for similar initiatives around the country. Additionally B2C is proving a valuable testing ground for innovative application of ICT in education and learning.

www.cs.tcd.ie/crite/news/bridge


NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY (NIID)

Inclusion through education, research and advocacy

NIID is one of Trinity’s most innovative initiatives and is developing exciting new models for achieving the inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities in society. NIID has pioneered the highly acclaimed and innovative Certificate in Contemporary Living course which aims to facilitate lifelong learning for students with intellectual disabilities and to provide them with skills for independent living and working.

In 2008, this first cohort of NIID students graduated from Trinity College and the NIID alumni society was launched. A Business Breakfast, in partnership with Irishjobs.ie, was held to introduce employers to the NIID and to promote inclusive recruitment policies.

The Institute has developed the Certificate in Contemporary Living as a scalable model to allow expansion of the course nationwide in collaboration with other education partners. An Advisory Committee has been established, chaired by Denis O’Brien, to support and guide this major initiative.

The mission and work of the NIID is strongly endorsed by a wide range of supporters including philanthropic organisations and private individuals generating over €3.5M in funding since its inception in 2003.

www.tcd.ie/niid

Pictured: Students graduating in 2008.


"Disability is a mask that conceals a rich, surprising and fertile ability. The function of the NIID is to remove the mask and reveal the beauty and promise of a hitherto hidden talent now brought into the light of day and the light of appreciative minds."
Brendan Kennelly