The Access Centre at University of Galway has marked 25 years of creating opportunities for people to find pathways into higher education.
Since its foundation in 1999, more than 3,500 people have been supported by the Access Centre, with the numbers of students from groups traditionally underrepresented in university continuing to grow.
The anniversary celebrations have been led by Mayor of Galway Councillor Eddie Hoare who unveiled a plaque at the Access Centre offices.
Cllr Hoare was guest of honour at the Uni4U awards ceremony which provides an experience of university life for sixth class pupils in Deis and Link primary schools in Galway.
Cllr Eddie Hoare said, “As an alumnus of University of Galway it was my great pleasure to join the University’s Access Centre to celebrate 25 years. In that time more than 3,500 students have enrolled in their programmes which helps to play such a key role in removing barriers to third level education for so many.”
“The Uni4U Programme is another great initiative rolled out by the Access Centre that provides opportunities for DEIS primary school pupils to see first-hand what the University has to offer.”
“I’d like to congratulate Imelda Byrne as Head of the Access Centre and all the team for the great work they continue and wish everyone involved continued success.”
Imelda Byrne, Head of the Access Centre, said, “2024 is a significant milestone for us all at the Access Centre, University of Galway, as we celebrate 25 years of our Access Programmes.”
“More than 3,500 students have participated on our programmes, which is 3,500 people whose lives have been significantly changed by the opportunities which we have been able to give them.
“Our focus is on supporting and empowering people in the Galway city and county, the western region, the border counties, and the midlands, to give them a path into higher education and to address the barriers which they experience.”
“Our ambition is to ensure everyone has equal access to higher education and that no-one feels like an outsider. We are proud of the huge impact we have had and we are committed to growing our achievements.”
Access programmes were established at the University in 1999, with the aim to provide a supportive, educational environment that prepares students academically and personally for a full-time undergraduate degree at third level.
On average, 629 students enrolled in undergraduate programmes through the Access Centre each year.
In 2022, more than 150 students were supported in education at the University through the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR), which focuses on students from socio-economically disadvantaged groups.
Another 281 were supported through the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE), which focuses on students with a disability.
Since 2015/16 to 2022/23, there has been a 132% increase in students registering for the Disability Support Service at the University.
The service is available to University of Galway students who need support or reasonable accommodations due to the impact of a disability, ongoing physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difficulty.
Since 2018/19, on average almost 500 students from DEIS schools have enrolled in University of Galway each year.
Almost 100 students a year have enrolled at University of Galway from Further Education and Training since 2018/19.
