Paul from Unum with students and teacher from St. Leo College in Carlow
We were delighted to be able to offer the Futurewize programme to schools in the South East for the first time in 2016/2017. Jointly-sponsored by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and industry partner Fidelity Investments, Futurewize is designed by Junior Achievement Ireland and developed for delivery by business volunteers. The programme aims to inspire Junior Cycle students to explore the career possibilities that are opened up through the study of STEM related subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). Nationally in 2016/17, more than 2,000 students will complete FutureWize with 80 trained business Volunteers.
Speaking the programmes launch as the brand ambassador for Futurewize, Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, Assistant Professor in the UCD School of Mathematics & Statistics and science communicator said: “I am passionate about inspiring students to be curious about the world around them and to be aware of the opportunities available to them should they decide to continue to study subjects such as science, mathematics, technology and 
Students from Presentation Secondary Waterford during their coding classengineering. An important part of this is that students meet and engage with positive role models from industry who can provide them with insight into what it might be like to work in science, technology, or engineering related jobs and businesses.
Junior Achievement is encouraging this engagement with the Futurewize programme and I am delighted to be an ambassador for this scheme encouraging more interactions between researchers, industry, and education. The JAI programme is also committed to attempting to address the gender gap in students studying STEM subjects and this is something I am passionate about.”