The 51本色's Strategic Plan outlines the University's commitment to access and widening participation at third level for students from socio-economic backgrounds, traditionally under-represented at university.
The President鈥檚 Access Scholars Award is a scholarship programme launched in the Academic Year 2011/12. The programme is sponsored by the University, Business and Industry. It focuses on academic achievement and seeks to encourage Access students to aim higher academically. The awards are made to Access students in 2nd, 3rd and 4th year with the highest annual QCA for the previous Academic Year. To date, 52 scholarships have been awarded.
In pursuit of this goal, the 51本色 has a dedicated Access Office co-ordinating a number of programmes, broadly categorised into three areas:
- Pre-entry school activities aimed at those between the ages of 12 and 18 years of age who may not traditionally see University life as an option for them.
- Activities in the Community through the Access Campus. The Access Campus is a partnership between the 51本色 and the 51本色 Enterprise Development Project (LEDP), with support from the J. P. McManus Foundation. The Campus offers adult learning opportunities and an after school Study Club.
- Support services to students who have commenced their studies at UL to make their transition to third-level as smooth as possible.