Adopt a School

Building Lasting School–Industry Partnerships

For businesses and schools in the Galway region

What Is the Adopt a School Programme?

The Adopt a School initiative is a key programme aimed at strengthening the STEM talent pipeline by connecting tech companies with schools to enhance IT education and address the skills gap. As part of iTAG's core focus on talent development, EdUTec amplifies these efforts by pooling resources and fostering lasting partnerships.

Early Engagement

Target students at the beginning of their educational journey to spark interest in STEM fields and technology careers.

Industry Collaboration

Enable companies to "adopt" schools by providing IT equipment, workshops, mentorship, and real-world exposure to students.

Teacher Support

Enhance teacher capabilities through training, resources, and ongoing support to deliver quality STEM education.

Why Take Part

Build a Diverse STEM Pipeline

Aims to build a diverse and inclusive STEM talent pipeline from an early age, ensuring future workforce readiness.

Provide Role Models

Provides students with role models and real-world STEM applications, inspiring the next generation of tech professionals.

Strengthen Community Ties

Strengthens community ties between schools and industries in the region, creating lasting partnerships.

Close the Skills Gap

Address the technology skills gap by equipping students with essential digital skills from an early age.

How It Works

iTAG EdUTec works to identify schools in the Galway region that would benefit from industry partnerships. We then offer member companies the opportunity to adopt a school for a full academic year.

Through this programme, organisations provide:

IT Equipment & Resources: Hardware, software, and learning materials
Tech Classes & Workshops: Hands-on coding, robotics, and cybersecurity sessions
Guest Speakers & Mentorship: Industry professionals sharing real-world insights
Work Placements & Site Visits: Exposure to professional tech environments

We guide you through every step, from initial introductions to activity delivery, ensuring these efforts enrich learning environments while nurturing a skilled and innovative future workforce.

Success Stories

Across Galway, schools that joined Adopt a School have seen remarkable transformations. See how leading tech companies are making a real impact through lasting partnerships.

Students at Creagh National School Ballinasloe participating in Ericsson's STEM Programme with Micro:bit devices

Ericsson & Creagh National School, Ballinasloe

Students at Creagh National School took part in Ericsson's School STEM Programme, where they explored coding and technology through fun, interactive sessions. Using Micro:bit devices, pupils created interactive games like rock-paper-scissors and buzz-wire, gaining practical experience with coding and problem-solving.

The workshop also included an introduction to cybersecurity and online safety, equipping students with essential digital skills. Following the event, teachers plan to integrate Ericsson's online STEM resources into their classroom activities—ensuring the learning continues long after the visit.

Cisco Galway partnership with Calasanctius College Oranmore for Girls in IT and hackathon events

Cisco & Calasanctius College, Oranmore

Cisco Galway has partnered with Calasanctius College since 2007, delivering programmes that encourage students—particularly girls—to explore careers in technology.

Through Insight Days, Girls in IT events, hackathons, and transition year programmes, students gain exposure to real-world tech environments, learn to code, and collaborate on creative projects.

"This Adopt-a-School is a transformative initiative that can have a lasting impact. To be able to promote STEM and support our local school in Oranmore where Cisco is based is an added bonus."

— Audrey Bleach, Senior Engagement & Operations Manager, Cisco Galway

HPE Galway partnership with Salerno Secondary School Salthill for Transition Year cybersecurity education

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) & Salerno Secondary School, Salthill

Transition Year students from Salerno Secondary School visited HPE Galway, meeting more than 40 professionals specializing in design, IT, cybersecurity, marketing, and communications.

The experience offered an inspiring look at life in Ireland's IT sector, highlighting the importance of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration in technology careers.

HPE's involvement extends beyond secondary education—partnering with Atlantic Technological University (ATU) to develop new qualifications such as the Higher Diploma in Science in Cybersecurity Risk and Compliance and Postgraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Operations, supporting the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

Get Involved

Whether you're a business looking to make a difference, or a school eager to enhance STEM learning, Adopt a School offers a way to take action.

For Schools

Register your interest for the upcoming year and tell us about your current STEM activities. We'll match you with a company that can help you grow your resources and opportunities.

For Businesses

You can adopt a school for a full academic year, providing funding, mentorship, or access to facilities. We'll guide you through every step, from initial introductions to activity delivery.

Adopt a School

Have questions? Contact the iTAG EdUTec team

info@itag.ie