The KickStart Scholarship Fund is a newly established scholarship, established by the Probation Service, and supported by the Irish Prison Service, to support people with a criminal justice history to access further Education. The scheme aims to ensure equality of opportunity for those who have made mistakes in the past but want to build a better life.

The scholarship scheme will be led by Maynooth University on a pilot basis in 2022/2023. Other universities taking part are Dublin City University, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, Athlone Campus.The scheme is open to new undergraduates who have applied to begin third-level education in September this year, as well as those who are currently third-level students, in one of he four universities taking part. Eight scholarships are available in total – two for each university.

Education can be a powerful tool in terms of unlocking potential, building confidence and breaking down barriers. Le Chéile Mentoring CEO Anne Conroy welcomed this new development which is a great opportunity for people with convictions, empowering them to access education.

For more information on the Scholarship scheme click here