The university is now offeringan elective module specifically designed for undergraduate students working towards the Award, or students who are acting as President’s Award Leaders (PAL).

Gaisce – The President’s Award is Ireland’s national youth award and a personal development programme for people aged 14-25. Participants set their own goals and work toward them over time, supported by a PAL.

While most participants begin their Gaisce journey in secondary school, many face barriers to continuing at university – including limited time, institutional recognition, and support.

“Taking part in the Gaisce Award provides young people with an invaluable opportunity to develop their social and personal skills and, through their choice of project, to help build through active citizenship a more ethical and sustainable society,” said Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland.

“I welcome this new partnership between Gaisce and UCD, which will help third-level students to participate in the programme in an integrated way with their studies.”

The module is open to all UCD undergraduate students under the age of 25 who are registered for a Gaisce Award. Coordinated by Associate Professor Shane Berginfrom the UCD School of Education, it will run across both semesters.

Participating students will dedicate 120 hours to completing their Gaisce Challenge Areas: Personal Skill, Community Involvement, Physical Recreation and Adventure Journey. To successfully complete the module, students must demonstrate their progress toward a Gaisce Award.

“The values of Gaisce align completely with the ambitions of the university’s ‘Breaking Boundaries’ strategy around the Student Experience and Lifelong Learning,” said Professor Niamh Moore-Cherry, Principal ofUCD College of Social Sciences and Law, who signed the MOU. 

“It is important to me that the UCD College of Social Sciences and Law and School of Education are leading the delivery for the university and wider student body, given our ambition to support individuals, communities, and societies to thrive in a sustainable way.”

“Aligning Gaisce with this elective module at UCD is a groundbreaking partnership recognising non-formal, self-directed experiential learning as a vital part of the university experience,” said Avril Ryan, CEO of Gaisce.