UWC offers life-defining experiences for young people through awarding scholarships to United World Colleges around the world.
UWC Ireland is a volunteer-led group dedicated to selecting and supporting students and their families for the UWC movement. It is part of a global UWC volunteer national committee system which operates in over 155 countries. These committees are responsible for selecting students for entry to UWC schools and colleges. It is a unique system which enables students to be selected from within their own communities and cultures and by alumni who recognise the attributes required to be a successful UWC scholar.
UWC Ireland is a registered charity in Ireland (RCN: 20205977), run by a committee made up of alumni volunteers who share an enthusiasm for the values of the UWC movement, and want to give something back in return for the educational, leadership and growth opportunities they experienced during their time at their UWC.
Our goals
1. To advance the United World College mission within the Republic of Ireland. This mission is to make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.
2. To award scholarship places to motivated and talented Irish second-level students, aged between 16 and 18 years old, to represent Ireland at these schools.
What we do
On a practical level, UWC Ireland volunteers promote the UWC movement by organising events, sharing the message on social, liaising with the press and conducting school visits with alumni.
When it comes to awarding scholarship places, UWC Ireland runs a competitive selection process once a year to identify and nominate strong candidates who have the potential to both grow and learn from a UWC experience, as well as contribute to the wider UWC community, while at their schools and when they return from them.
You can find out more details about the routes to studying at a UWC here, and more about how to apply for a scholarship via UWC Ireland here.
Who forms the National Committee?
The National Committee is made up of alumni volunteers who share an enthusiasm for the values of the UWC movement, and who feel an obligation to give something back in return for the educational, leadership and growth opportunities they experienced during their time at a UWC.
Key National Committee Members:
- Aisling Hassell – Chair of UWC Ireland National Committee, Director
- Paul Hart – Secretary of the National Committee
- Robert Adamson – Treasurer of the National Committee
- Tom Hunt – Member of the National Committee, Director
- Nicola Timmins – Member of the National Committee, Director
Who are UWC Ireland Alumni?
Upon graduation from a UWC College, Irish students have returned to Ireland to pursue their third-level education or enrolled in universities abroad. Irish UWC alumni have gone on to pursue careers across all sectors of society, from the arts to the sciences and within the NGO, public and private sectors.
Notable alumni include Anne Enright, author, professor and Man Booker prize winner, Dr. Renata Dwan, former Director of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research and currently Senior Adviser at the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue and the Martti Ahtisaari Foundation, and Paul Colton, Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross.
Get involved
Whether you are a student interested in applying, an alum looking to give back, or a supporter who wants to help fund scholarships, there are many ways to get involved. Contact us at [email protected] or visit our Get Involved page!