The Little Book of Irish Science SFI Little Book of Irish Science | Page 93

Smart Futures
92
International research continues to highlight the
importance of giving young people access to role models
if negative stereotypes about STEM are to be challenged,
and we are to see greater participation by females and
students from lower-economic backgrounds. Science
Foundation Ireland’s Smart Futures programme gives
school students in Ireland access to over 1,500 volunteers
from STEM-related industry and research centres across
the country. Since 2013, over 92,000 students have had
an opportunity to hear fi rst-hand how diverse careers
in science, tech and engineering are, with over 50+
partners donating approximately 5,000 hours each year
to deliver free school visits.
www.smartfutures.ie