Kilkenny PPN Offers Scholarships for Business and Community Development

The Kilkenny Public Participation Network (PPN) has introduced a Degree Scholarship Programme aimed at fostering education in Business, Social Enterprise, and Community Development. This initiative will award five scholarships to individuals actively engaged in their communities, particularly those who have volunteered or are seeking a career change.

The programme is designed for members of Kilkenny PPN organisations, which include a diverse range of community and voluntary groups, environmental organisations, and social inclusion clubs. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a commitment to community involvement and express their intent to serve as champions for the PPN in their respective districts. This scholarship represents a significant opportunity for individuals to enhance their skills and contribute more effectively to their communities.

Programme Details and Educational Impact

The degree programme, accredited by the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), is set to commence in January 2026 and will span 18 months. It combines distant learning with independent study, providing flexibility for participants. EQUAL Ireland, the organisation overseeing the programme, aims to promote an inclusive and knowledgeable society across Europe.

Angela Hayes, Founder and CEO of The Thomas Hayes Trust, shared her personal experience with the scholarship. She noted, “As an early school leaver, I never thought college was possible for me. Putting together a portfolio of my life experience to apply for this course was a real challenge, but it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.” Hayes highlighted how the Kilkenny PPN scholarship empowered her to embark on a new educational journey, enhancing her confidence and enabling her to apply her skills in the community.

Carina Burrows, a member of the PPN Secretariat, echoed these sentiments. She remarked, “Having started my 3rd level education later in life, I found the amount of support from fellow pupils and tutors second to none. Obtaining this degree has opened employment doors that were previously closed and given more options for my career in community development.”

Application Process and Information Session

An information session about the scholarship will take place on November 5 at 19:00 in the Berkeley Suite of the Pembroke Hotel, Kilkenny. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet representatives from EQUAL Ireland, as well as PPN members who have previously completed the degree. This session will be an ideal platform for potential applicants to ask questions and learn more about the programme.

Applications will open on November 5 and will close at noon on December 1. Scholarships are exclusively available to members of Kilkenny PPN-registered organisations, although the degree programme itself is open to the wider public. If an interested applicant is part of a qualifying organisation not yet registered with the PPN, registration can be completed before the application deadline.

For further information or to apply for the scholarship, individuals can visit www.kilkennyppn.ie. Direct inquiries can also be made by contacting Bortha at [email protected] or by calling +353 56 779 4255. This initiative not only promotes educational advancement but also strengthens community ties within Kilkenny, encouraging active citizenship and involvement in local governance.