Dundalk Credit Union STEM Scholarship

Empowering Women in STEM: Celebrating Our First Female in STEM Scholarship Recipient, Grace Marron

At Dundalk Credit Union, we are deeply committed to supporting the success and empowerment of women in STEM, and we are delighted to announce Grace Marron as the first recipient of our Female in STEM Scholarship. Grace, a dedicated second-year Civil Engineering student at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), embodies the spirit and ambition that this scholarship aims to encourage. This initiative reflects our mission to advance opportunities for women in STEM and foster a more diverse, inclusive professional landscape.

The Dundalk Credit Union Female in STEM Scholarship offers €3,000 per academic year, supporting Grace’s journey for up to three years. Open to female students enrolled in level 7 or level 8 courses within the School of Engineering at DkIT, this scholarship is not just a financial award but a testament to our commitment to gender equality in engineering and technology. We believe that empowering students like Grace to pursue their passion in STEM is key to creating a more innovative and representative workforce.

Grace shared her excitement on receiving this scholarship, saying:

“I am absolutely thrilled to have been awarded this Female in STEM Scholarship. I am really passionate about pursuing a career in engineering, and this scholarship recognises the importance of encouraging other females to follow their chosen career path. The supportive and inclusive environment at DkIT has been instrumental in my learning so far, and I would encourage anyone interested in a career in engineering to apply for this course. I want to thank Dundalk Credit Union and my lecturers at DkIT for their support and encouragement during the scholarship process.”

Grace’s enthusiasm and passion for engineering are inspiring, and it is our hope that this scholarship will empower her to continue reaching new heights, paving the way for others to follow. Supporting women in fields where they are underrepresented, such as engineering, aligns with Dundalk Credit Union’s values of inclusivity, community support, and growth.

The application process for this scholarship was rigorous, requiring applicants to not only demonstrate their academic dedication but also their commitment to sustainability, community, and the field of engineering. This aligns with our mission to encourage well-rounded future leaders who are invested in both their careers and their communities.

Dr. Breda Brennan, Head of the School of Engineering at DkIT, remarked on the significance of this scholarship and the School’s ongoing commitment to gender equality:

“In 2023, the School of Engineering was awarded Bronze Athena Swan accreditation in recognition of the work it has done to support gender equality within the School. With female engineers representing just 12% of the profession in Ireland, it is more important than ever that within the Engineering School, we are proactively supporting female engagement within this high-demand industry.”

Dr. Brennan also extended her congratulations to Grace, praising her as a role model for women in engineering, and thanked Dundalk Credit Union for our support in creating this important initiative. We are honored to contribute to DkIT’s vision of a more balanced and diverse environment where women in STEM can flourish.

Our CEO, Billy Doyle, expressed the pride we feel in supporting this program and shared our hopes for the future:

“We are incredibly proud to support Grace Marron as the first recipient of the Dundalk Credit Union Female in STEM Scholarship. Encouraging more women to pursue careers in STEM is essential for building a diverse and innovative workforce. Through this scholarship, we hope to not only provide financial assistance but also to inspire future generations of women in engineering and technology. We look forward to seeing Grace and other talented women thrive in their chosen fields, knowing that they have the support of both Dundalk Credit Union and the wider community.”

By supporting initiatives like this scholarship, Dundalk Credit Union is dedicated to opening doors for women in STEM, equipping them with the resources and encouragement they need to lead successful careers in fields such as engineering. It is our hope that Grace’s success will inspire many other young women to pursue their ambitions in STEM, knowing that they have our backing and the support of their community.

We extend our congratulations to Grace once again and are excited to be part of her journey. This scholarship not only reflects our commitment to community empowerment but also reinforces the importance of diversity, inclusivity, and equality in all fields of work. Dundalk Credit Union is here to champion the next generation of innovators, leaders, and changemakers in STEM.