Maynooth University Access Programme (MAP)

This report was carried out from April to October 2019 by College Connect in collaboration with the Pathways Centre, an education centre based in Dublin. Participative, experiential, and creative methods were used to explore the views and insights of 34 participants on the factors that may either encourage or discourage participation or progression in higher education. The research generates key insights on the barriers experienced by this group as well as highlighting areas where action is required. The report is available on collegeconnect.ie

Using photovoice as a methodology and a peer-to-peer participatory approach, this study captures participants’ lived experience by putting their voice front and centre and by directly involving people with this lived experience in the research process. These combined approaches are primarily concerned with the human experience and are solution and action orientated. The report is available on collegeconnect.ie.

 

Community Needs Analysis With Further Education Students Thoughts Around
Progression From Further Education To Higher Education

 This Community Needs Analysis (CNA) is carried out by College Connect, in collaboration with Dublin City University (DCU). The research process engaged with 58 further education students in seven Further Education Colleges in the Dublin/DCU catchment area to find out how better to support their educational progression to higher education and offers recommendations to make this possible.  The report is available on collegeconnect.ie. 

 

 

Seán Harvey

Regional Community Connector, based in Dublin City University

His journey in Northern Ireland involved immersion in conflict transformation and restorative practices, where he contributed to rebuilding fractured communities. Transitioning to North Dublin, Sean embraced his role as a facilitator of leadership development and service learning, empowering individuals to enact meaningful change.

Sean's passion lies in sustainable changemaking and empowering marginalized voices. He believes in diversifying academia, asserting that higher education thrives on the inclusion of varied perspectives, cultures, and learning methodologies. Sean champions creative learning approaches and advocates for the recognition of prior learning, emphasizing that these principles are integral to enhancing the educational landscape.
 

Eibhlin Linden

Regional Community Connector, based in Dundalk Institute of Technology

Eibhlin is a social care worker who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Applied Social studies in Social Care from Dundalk Institute of Technology. Eibhlin has over 16 years’ experience of working with people with disabilities, mental health issues and challenging behaviour in the community.  The majority of her work was working alongside other professionals to help people live independently, reaching their full potential and connect them with their community. Eibhlin's work was carried out through liaising with families and advocates while promoting opportunities for work, education, training and learning. 

Eibhlin is delighted to bring her skills and knowledge to the College Connect team. Through her experience she has learned of the challenges and barriers for people getting into education and the support they need. She is excited to support and guide people on their individual journey to progress to and through education.

Marta Johnston

Regional Community Connector, based in Technological University of the Shannon:  Athlone campus

Marta is a language professional with an MA in English Philology from Poland and over ten years’ experience of teaching English as a Second Language.  These include teaching English to problematic youth as part of ‘See your opportunity’ project, developing and delivering English language courses for Polish migrants in a university and a private business, working as an interpreter, as well as supporting children with developmental and educational needs in the classroom.  While doing a Springboard course in Social Media for Digital Marketing in Munster Technological University, she decided to set up an online language coaching group for women. The aim was to reach out to the migrant women in Ireland and help them gain confidence in learning English language.

Marta is very proud to be a part of the College Connect team as she is passionate about helping people from disadvantaged backgrounds accessing higher education in Ireland.  Thanks to Marta’s experience, she has learned a great deal about different types of learners and their motivation to progress further education. She is looking forward to give other people the right guidance and support them on their journey to higher education while helping them overcome the barriers they may face.

Zoryana Pshyk

Regional Community Connector, based in Maynooth University

Zoryana holds a BA and Masters in Ukrainian Philology from Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, Ukraine and a Higher Diploma in Further Education, and Masters in Adult and Community Education from Maynooth University.  Prior to joining the College Connect team she gained extensive experience as an adult and community educator, having lectured Philosophy of Adult Education with the Department of Adult and Community Education, MU, freelanced with Leargas National Agency and Partners Training for Transformation, and as a Community Education Outreach worker (KWETB). She is also involved in local community development with County Kildare Leader Partnership representing Community the Kildare Integration Network and other community groups.  She spent six years living in the Direct Provision System. This experience shaped me into the person I am today. It prompted me to go back to university as a mature student, to make meaning of my experience with the help of education. 

Zoryana truly believes that education changes people’s lives and that people have the power to make the world a better place for everyone.  She is passionate about social justice, diversity and inclusion, and writes on the topics of adult education, Freirean philosophy, and the voices and experiences of asylum seekers and refugees. 

Deirdre FitzPatrick

Project Manager, based in Maynooth University
 

Deirdre joins the College Connect team with a strong educational background and over 15 years of experience in the field, she began her career as a Mathematics Teacher, instilling a passion for learning in her students. Later, she transitioned into the role of a Guidance Counsellor, recognising the importance of holistic support for students' academic and personal development.

Deirdre's commitment to expanding access to higher education began during her time as guidance counsellor in a DEIS secondary school. This led to her three-year tenure at Trinity Access Programmes, where she coordinated nationwide programmes aimed at addressing underrepresentation in higher education. Her academic qualifications include a Teacher Qualification from Liverpool Hope University and a Postgraduate Diploma in School Guidance and Counselling from Maynooth University. Deirdre's strong belief in the transformative power of education and her dedication to widening participation make her the right fit for College Connect.

Eilís Ní Chorcora

Research Manager, based in Maynooth University

An experienced researcher and educator, Eilís holds a primary school teaching qualification from Dublin City University and a postgraduate degree in psychology from Trinity College Dublin (TCD). She brings a wealth of experience to the team from working across the education sector, from early childhood, primary and secondary education, through to further and higher education. Her professional journey has included substantial contributions to the access and widening participation sector in Ireland. She continues to coordinate innovative research initiatives and assess the impact of access and widening participation programmes to inform policy, practice, and programmatic development.

Eilís is in the final stages of completing her PhD via publication in TCD. Her research focuses on the impact of school-university partnerships and widening participation in higher education. Her research methodology is characterized by a blend of quantitative and qualitative methods, grounded in the belief that research should drive positive change. Eilís’ research ethos is both pragmatic and creative, fostering inclusivity and participatory approaches in all facets of her work.

David Joyce

Communications Officer, based inMaynooth University

David is a recent addition to the College Connect team and as Communications Officer based in Maynooth University will be working to promote the College Connect Programme.

Karen Brady

Administrator, based in Maynooth University