This year Specialisterne Northern Ireland launched Digital Horizon – a new Digital Skills Academy, funded by The James Kane Foundation. This academy is designed for neurodivergent individuals aged 18+ who are diagnosed or self-identify as autistic, dyslexic, dyspraxic...
Projects
Bridge to Build: Connecting SEN Talent with Construction and Engineering
Bridge to Build (B2B) was established to support learners with Special Educational Needs (SEN) at South West College to progress into careers in construction and engineering. The project connects SEN learners with STEM employers, providing first-hand industry...
Aspire NI Post Primary Project
The Aspire N.I. Secondary Schools Project supports young people in Belfast from Free School Meal Entitlement (FSME) backgrounds, helping to close the educational attainment gap and raise aspirations. Delivered across five secondary schools, the project provides weekly...
Research into Effective Leadership in Disadvantaged Communities
A new research report has recently been launched, entitled Effective Leadership in Disadvantaged Communities. Carried out by the team at Stranmillis University College, which included Prof Noel Purdy, Dr Karen Orr, and Dr Glenda Walsh, the report was funded by The...
Shankill Primary Active Learning Community Project
The Shankill Primary School Active Learning Community brings together principals from eight primary schools to work collaboratively on the unique challenges and opportunities facing children and families in the area. In partnership with the Greater Shankill...
Young Enterprise: Building Aspirations for Young People
The Building Aspirations Project is transforming opportunities for young people in 18 non-selective schools across Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, and Newry, Mourne and Down. These schools, with above-average levels of free school meal entitlement, will benefit from...
WorkPlus – Jobs for me: Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Talent
With support from the James Kane Foundation, the Jobs For Me project will engage more than 700 Year 9 and 10 pupils across Antrim and Newtownabbey, encouraging them to become “Career Explorers.” By connecting young people with 40 local employers, the project will...
DreamSchemeNI: Enabling Young People into Digital Media
Dreamscheme NI, a youth charity supporting disadvantaged young people aged 11–18, is launching a transformative digital media project across five housing estates in Belfast and Antrim. With support from the James Kane Foundation, young people at risk of exclusion will...
EOTAS Project:Opening Digital Pathways for Vulnerable Young People
With support from the James Kane Foundation, 17 Key Stage 4 centres across Northern Ireland are introducing a new OCNNI qualification in Creative Arts and Digital Technologies. This initiative ensures that pupils—many from the most disadvantaged and vulnerable...
