New scholarship programme launched by Limerick healthcare firm
Carelon Global teams up with city secondary school
A CASTLETROY-headquartered healthcare firm is providing a scholarship programme to a secondary school in the city.
Carelon Global Solutions Ireland, which was named the company of the year at the 2023 Chamber Business Awards, has entered a partnership with Thomond Community College at Woodview Park.
The scholarship programme is aimed at promoting progression to third level in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics subjects, known colloquially as ‘Steam’.
Two students will be picked each year to receive monetary support to help them through their courses at any of Limerick’s third level institutions.
Thomond Community College, which is under the patronage of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, is one of Limerick’s fastest growing schools, having increased its student intake by 55% since it was formed out of the merger of Salesian Secondary School and St Nessan’s Community College in 2016.
Progression to third level education at the school has also increased by 26% in that time.
Carelon Global Solutions Ireland chief country executive John Patrick Shaw said: “We had a standing start here in Limerick when we launched over three years ago, but it was made all the easier by the incredible support we received across the city and region, a region which is incredibly pro-business. One thing we were keen to do from the start was invest in local organisations that reflect our ethos.”
Mr Shaw said the school is one of the few in the country which has software development on its curriculum.
Vivienne Hogan, principal at Thomond Community College added: “The financial support that the students will get for each of their years of study in the Steam courses will make a big difference to their third level outcomes and progression into their careers.”
She continued: “A huge amount of foreign direct investment has been made in Limerick over the past decade and as a disadvantaged school, you’re hoping that one of these companies might like what you are trying to do”