SIPTU College has launched a restructured SIPTU Education and Development Support (Scholarship) Scheme, following its suspension during the Covid-19 pandemic.
SIPTU Head of College, Eira Gallagher, said: “Activism comes in various forms, including community engagement, advocating for workers’ rights, organising and promoting equality and social justice causes – all values that are inherent to our union. Previously, there has been no linkage between these values and the awarding of a scholarship grant. In rethinking the purpose and direction of our scholarship scheme, we want to establish a core connection with award winners to inspire their participation in our union and the wider labour movement.
“New, inclusive and innovative application criteria, which are fully outlined in the application form, move away from relying solely on academic achievement and celebrate activism, organising skills and promotion of social justice through arts, music and culture.”
She added: “These imaginative changes will allow a greater number of our SIPTU family members to participate in the scheme and gain recognition and reward for their skills, talent and knowledge that can be demonstrated in myriad ways. Students who have previously not applied for participation in the scheme can now showcase their ability without relying on academic criteria alone. This level of inclusion and acknowledgement is key to building links with the young people who will be the lifeblood of our movement in the future.”
The new award categories are:
Language and Culture Promotion Award (formerly the Gaeltacht Award). 4 per Division Value €800 per award.
Cultural Diversity Award (formerly Migrant Member Language Award). 1 per Division.
Value €800 per award.
Activism Scholarship Award (formerly Second Level Award) 5 per Division
Value €800 per award.
Leaving Certificate Applied Award (LCA) 1 per Division
Value €800 per award
Third Level Award for Labour Related Studies (formerly Third Level Award) 1 per Division.
There will be five awards available –The value of each award will be €1,000 renewable for up to four years for those who maintain their commitment to labour related studies and SIPTU involvement.
Application forms are available from your Sector/Industrial Organiser.
You can also download a form here.
Fully completed application forms and corresponding application materials, e.g. video clip, poster etc, should be submitted by 30th September 2024, either electronically to scholarships@siptu.ie or to The SIPTU Education & Development Support Scheme, SIPTU College, 9th floor, Liberty Hall, Dublin D01 E5Y3.
Award Ceremonies
An annual award ceremony will be held to publicly recognise and celebrate scholarship recipients, allowing them to showcase their work, skills and talent. This will not only offer a well-deserved boost for the award winners but will also provide an inspirational opportunity to encourage others to participate in the scheme.