St. Mary’s Holy Faith in Killester has become the latest Dublin school to join Aspire2, the schools support programme financed and managed by the Irish engineering company DPS Group. This is the 7th year of the programme and St. Mary’s Holy Faith joins the four other Dublin schools, Rosary College Crumlin, Mercy College Inchicore, Kylemore College and St Dominic’s College in Ballyfermot, as well as five other schools in Cork.

Janice Mc Garry from DPS, who manages Aspire2, said: “We are delighted that Aspire2 continues to grow from strength to strength. The success of the programme is now reflected in the numbers of students progressing to Third Level and Further Education as well as the large numbers of past pupils who have opted to stay involved through our Aspire2 Alumni.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has been very difficult for everybody in the education sector, teachers, pupils and parents alike, with online learning and estimated grades posing a whole new set of challenges. From the feedback we have got from the schools, it seems that Aspire2 has played a significant part in meeting those challenges. It’s also very exciting that DPS has committed another €1 million to fund the maintenance and expansion of the programme”

Commenting on her school’s participation in the Aspire2 programme, Evelyn Mc Loughlin, Principal of St. Mary’s Holy Faith said: “We’re delighted to be joining the nine other schools in Dublin and Cork already involved in Aspire2. This is a unique programme and we have no doubt that it will support our students to achieve their future goals and empower them to be whatever they aspire to be!”

Quinten Doyle, a recent Aspire2 alumnus commented: “Aspire2 has helped me take initiative and take charge in situations where I would have been nervous before. Aspire2 and has helped me and many others find confidence when talking in groups. Not only are they extremely helpful academically but are also the most understanding and supportive group I’ve come across.”

Paddy Roache, another alumnus, added “Aspire2 helped me tremendously, not just academically, but with ‘hands on’ work placement experience and I loved how young people are consulted to have a voice in this programme”.

Since 2015, more than 1,800 students in Cork and Dublin schools have been assisted by Aspire2 by providing academic support, direct funding, and individual mentoring by DPS staff, who have volunteered their time to take part in the programme. “I am also delighted that some of our Aspire2 alumni have set up their own initiative, AweZoom Grinds, to support current students with online grinds and mentoring supports.

In Dublin, DPS is partnered in Aspire2 with University College Dublin, Technology University Dublin, Trinity College Dublin Access Programme, Maynooth University and Rethink Ireland. Our partners are an invaluable support to us in the successful development of Aspire2,” Janice McGarry concluded.  

Pictured left to right: Evelyn Mc Loughlin, Principal of St Mary’s Holy Faith, Gia Cepeda, Sofia Priniotaki (YAP members) and Janice McGarry, Aspire2 Manager, DPS Group. 

Further information

Janice McGarry, Aspire2 Manager,

DPS Group

Email: janice.mcgarry@dpsgroupglobal.com

Mobile: +353 (0) 85 181 0931