UoG’s Youth Academy renews partnership with Merit Medical
Pictured from L-R: Karen Smyth, Communications Leader, Merit Medical, Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway, and Mark Butler, Executive Vice President, European Operations, Merit Medical, Michael Kennedy, Ballinderry N.S., Cummer, Tuam, Zoe Ruane, Scoil Íosa Oranmore, and Francis Feeney, Ardrahan N.S. Credit – Andrew Downes
The University of Galway’s Youth Academy, a flagship outreach programme for ‘high ability students’ in primary and post-primary school, has renewed its partnership with Merit Medical.
Merit Medical is a leading multi-national medical device company with significant operations in Galway, employing almost 1,000 people.
Over the next five years, the partnership will continue to enable development of the Youth Academy programme, which aims to expand educational opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds, inspiring them through innovative activities and insight into future careers.
President of University of Galway, Professor David Burn, emphasised his pride at the ongoing collaboration, which he says will grow and support the pipeline of future talent in the region.
He said: “We are delighted to announce the continuation and strengthening of our partnership with Merit Medical, marking a significant philanthropic investment in the University’s Youth Academy.
“This renewed commitment will empower and enhance the programme that Merit Medical has supported since its inception, fuelling its growth and impact for young learners across the region.”
Since its launch in 2012 with 64 participants, the Youth Academy has grown to welcome over 8,000 young people and their families to the university’s campus, providing avenues to cultivate their passions, develop new skills, and experience university life among like-minded peers.
The programme provides ‘high-level classes’ which run every Saturday over the course of six weeks in Spring and Autumn.
Summer camps in science, engineering, computer science and arts are also delivered by University of Galway researchers and educators who are committed to fostering a friendly, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
Since 2019, Merit Medical has supported the expansion of Youth Academy to include post-primary students, and the company has backed full scholarships for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Merit Medical’s Executive Vice President of European Operations, Mark Butler, has praised the work of the Youth Academy, describing the programme as “a cornerstone of our local community and a place where young people can discover their potential”.
He continued: “At Merit Medical we believe that investing in youth is investing in the future. By working together, we’re helping to build confidence, opportunity, and connection – strengthening the community we’re proud to be part of.”
A recent study of the long-term impact of Youth Academy participation revealed that it is a big motivation to study at third level, with 87% of parents reporting that participation had opened their child’s mind to new areas of study and possible careers.
Additionally, two thirds of those surveyed reported a positive impact for female pupils in challenging gender stereotypes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.
