Honoring our Irish Heritage, Investing in Ireland’s Future Learn more at www.irishap.org Focus on Northern Ireland 2019 APPEAL Creating Pathways to Ulster University Widening access to university for Northern Ireland’s disadvantaged and historically excluded populations Continuing Our Commitment to Integrated Education Partnership gifts $10,000 to Slemish College in Ballymena, Co. Antrim Students at Holy Cross Boys’ Primary School, Belfast InvestING in the Next Generation We have proudly supported schools, students, and communities of all traditions in Northern Ireland for more than 30 years. We hope that you will consider a gift in support of the Partnership’s work to empower and educate. Donors can select a specific school, village, town, or county throughout Ireland as the recipient of their philanthropy. See the direct impact of your generosity at www.irishap.org FOCUS ON NORTHERN IRELAND ULSTER UNIVERSITY’S CREATING PATHWAYS PROGRAM Thanks to you, the Partnership commits $50,000 to Ulster University’s Creating Pathways Program. lster University’s Creating Pathways Program aims incentivize students who are achieving academically and to widen access to university for Northern Ireland’s have been inspired to apply to university by UU’s en- Udisadvantaged and historically excluded popula- gagement programs, but who may be put off by the fear tions. This program takes a holistic approach to increase of debt and inaccessibility. educational opportunity at all levels—from primary school students to young adults. “Receiving the scholarship aided The Partnership grant of $50,000 over 5 years will fund my studies in a number of ways, Ulster University’s engagement with Northern Irish schools, crucially allowing me to reduce my as well as scholarships to assist with the cost of attending the university. Currently, Ulster University (UU) engages hours at my part time job, which with 368 schools with Free School Meal Entitlement, a created a multitude of opportunities metric commonly used to measure disadvantage. These for me both in university and outside, schools receive varying interventions, from workshops and tutoring, to field trips to give students their first taste significantly enhancing my academic of campus life. marks and experience which in turn They also offer Foundation Academy, a one-year certificate undoubtedly enhanced my graduate program which helps prepare and equip students, outcomes.” academically, socially, culturally and psychologically, for university life. This program is offered to students who do - Christopher Moore, scholarship recipient not currently meet UU entry requirements, but have the potential to succeed with a little additional assistance. This Partnership investment in educational opportunity will The Partnership’s funds will also support scholarships for transform Northern Irish society, building pathways out of disadvantaged students to attend UU. These scholarships poverty for a generation of young people. @irishaporg 2 irishamericanpartnership NORTHERN IRELAND APPEAL 2019 Nobel Peace Prize 2019 nomination for integrated education groups Our longtime partner the Integrated Education Fund (IEF), along with the Northern Ireland Council for Inte- grated Education are collectively in contention for the prestigious prize. The nomination from eminent politi- cians and academics shows an Partnership Board member Sir Bruce Robinson with Baroness May Blood, Campaign Chair of international appreciation of the work the Integrated Education Fund, and students at Slemish College, Ballymena, Co. Antrim of parents, campaigners and schools to develop integrated education in Northern Ireland. It also recognises the BRINGING children TOGETHER TO LEARN; daily work within integrated schools respectING the diversity they represent to actively and intentionally celebrate Every year, your generosity allows the Irish American Partnership religious and cultural integration in Northern Ireland’s divided society. to award an integrated school in Northern Ireland a grant of $10,000 through the Integrated Education Fund. his year’s grant recipient was furniture, soundproof walls, and Slemish College in Ballyme- a small kitchen. It offers a retreat Tna, Co. Antrim. Slemish Col- where young people can share lege is a secondary school with their personal struggles in a safe 810 pupils, 25% of whom come and supportive environment. from socioeconomically disadvan- taged backgrounds and 22% of Mental health and wellness are whom have special educational increasing concerns for schools needs. in Northern Ireland and have become top priorities. This effort The College opened in 1996, in increases access to personalized response to parental demand for mental health services, promotes a an integrated college in Bally- culture of wellness, and generates mena, at a time when community greater capacity to address day- relations in the area were at an all to-day struggles. time low due to sectarian tension. “We welcome children of all tradi- Slemish used the Partnership grant tions, cultures and beliefs, offering “This is a testament to all the pioneers to create a wellness room where a safe, happy environment where who have been committed to opening and students can drop-in for sessions each individual can truly flourish developing integrated schools in the face of with the school counselor or relax and fulfil their potential socially, social challenges and political inertia.” between courses. Originally an spiritually and educationally.” old science storeroom, the well- Tina Merron, IEF Chief Executive ness room now boasts comfortable - Mr. Michael Bennett, Principal @irishaporg WWW.IRISHAP.ORG/DONATE 3 irishamericanpartnership FOCUS ON NORTHERN IRELAND Promoting educational opportunity ST. OLIVER PLUNKETT PRIMARY SCHOOL, BELFAST, CO. ANTRIM The Thomas J. The teachers at St. Oliver Plunkett Moran Scholarship work extremely hard to even the playing field for their students, the majority of whom come from socio- economically disadvantaged back- The Partnership established the Thomas J. Moran Scholarship at grounds. Queen’s University in memory of Tom’s enormous heart, unparal- leled generosity, and commitment to peace in Northern Ireland. ormer Chairman of Mutual which enable disadvantaged un- of America, Chancellor of dergraduate students in the Faculty FQueen’s University and true of Arts, Humanities, and Social friend of Ireland, Tom Moran had Sciences to travel for work traveled extensively in personal or study in the summer between and philanthropic capacities. He their first and second year. These frequently spoke of the impact his opportunities have traditionally ex- travels had on his life. He believed cluded lower income students due that travel illustrated that people to the prohibitively high cost, yet are more alike than different—that are often the basis for future aca- all parents want a better life for demic research, fellowships, and their children. He was inspired work. The Moran travel scholar- The Partnership will distribute a grant by the strength, resilience, and ships make an incredible impact on of $6,000 to the school to further optimism he witnessed in some of the lives of these students, giving promote STEM Education. Principal the poorest countries of the world, them every opportunity to succeed Paddy McCabe will use the funds to and often thought about “the Irish in their academic and professional purchase new technology for their surviving the Hunger and the pow- endeavors. STEM Club. erful spirit they had.” Now in its second year, the pro- “Our focus on STEM is part of In an effort to build a fitting tribute gram is poised to accommodate that daily effort to give our children to the legacy of a larger-than-life a greater number of deserving man, this scholarship at Queen’s students. not only a sense of wonder and awe University provides a stipend about STEM, but to give them the for low-income undergraduate aspiration to pursue a career that may students to pursue work or study allow them to access opportunities and abroad. experiences they may otherwise not have been able to grasp.” The Partnership’s funding supports two Moran Scholarships annually, Paddy McCabe, Principal WWW.IRISHAP.ORG/DONATE The Irish American Partnership is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organization recognized by the IRS with the Tax ID 22-2801642. Your contribution is tax deductible to the full extent permitted by the law. 4 15 Broad Street, Suite 210, Boston, MA 02109 | 617.723.2707 | www.irishap.org | [email protected] Thank You YOUR GENEROSITY AFFECTS THOUSANDS OF LIVES ACROSS IRELAND, NORTH & SOUTH. ON BEHALF OF THE STUDENTS, SCHOOLS & COMMUNITIES YOU SUPPORT, WE THANK YOU. HERE IS A SAMPLE OF PARTNERSHIP GRANTEES IN NORTHERN IRELAND: 174 Trust Gaelscoil na gCrann, Ballinmullan Round Tower Integrated Primary School, Acorn Fund Glengormley Integrated Primary School, Belfast Armagh Robinson Library Belfast Scoil an Droichid, Belfast Avoniel Primary School, Belfast Glenwood Primary School, Belfast Scotch Irish Trust Ballycastle Integrated Primary School Glynn Primary School, Larne St. Columbkille’s Primary School, Ballymoney Integrated Primary School Greater Shankill Alternatives Carrickmore Blackwater Integrated College, Downwater Groarty Integrated Primary School, St. Joseph’s Boys’ School, Westway Botanic Primary School, Belfast Londonderry St. Kieran’s Primary School, Belfast Cavehill Primary School, Belfast Holy Cross Boys’ Primary School, Belfast St. Louise’s, Belfast Children in Crossfire Holy Cross Girls’ Primary School, Belfast