New access fund to help Mayo schools overcome rising transport costs
STEMtacular has announced the launch of a new Access Fund, supported by the Irish American Partnership, which will help schools from Mayo with the cost of travelling to STEMtacular 2027.
The new fund has been established in response to one of the challenges increasingly facing schools wishing to take part in educational events – rising transport costs.
While STEMtacular is free for schools to attend, organisers are conscious that the cost of hiring a bus, particularly for schools travelling longer distances, can still create a significant barrier to participation.
Through the Irish American Partnership Access Fund, eligible schools attending STEMtacular 2027 will be able to receive a contribution towards their transport costs, support will be allocated according to factors such as distance.
STEMtacular founder and science teacher Louise Gallagher said the fund represents another important step towards the organisation's aim of making STEM opportunities more accessible to children regardless of where they live.
“We are very conscious of rising transport costs and the pressure that places on schools.
"STEMtacular is free to attend, but free entry doesn't necessarily mean that there is no financial barrier.
"We never want a child to miss out on an opportunity simply because of where they live or the cost involved in getting there. STEMtacular was established to bring high-quality STEM experiences closer to children in rural and regional communities.
"The access fund allows us to take that commitment a step further by helping schools with the journey too.
"We are incredibly grateful to the Irish American Partnership for supporting that vision. Their investment in the access fund will have a very real impact on schools and children across the region."
At the heart of STEMtacular are the children themselves.
STEMtacular 2027 will take place in Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, on Wednesday and Thursday, February 24 and 25, 2027.
Schools can find out more about STEMtacular 2027 and the access fund here.