16 years ago Intel in Ireland launched its Women in Technology scholarship program for the first time. Since then, the program has gone from strength to strength and continues today to form an important part of our wider commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion at every level of our company and the broader industry.
The scholarship program aims to encourage a new generation of high-achieving women to take up the challenge of a career in science and technology and to empower them by fostering educational opportunities.
The scholarship program offers a monetary grant, valued at €3,000 per annum, as well as opportunities for work placements at the Intel Leixlip and Shannon campus’. Each scholar is also assigned a mentor who is an Intel employee to assist and provide advice on managing their academic career. The scholarship programme has created an invaluable link between Intel and the academic network and a number of scholars have gone on to become Intel employees.
In recent years Intel Ireland has driven a unique approach to academic partnership through our Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) program. We work closely with our partners – Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, Dublin City University, Technological University Dublin, University of Limerick and Maynooth University – as well as with other universities and Institutes of Technology across Ireland to share details of this initiative and identify suitable candidates for the scholarship program.
This year scholarships were awarded by numerous business groups across Intel including Movidius, Manufacturing & Product Engineering, Corporate Services and Intel Shannon. Last year we introduced for the first time a ‘Women in Construction’ scholarship which was awarded by our Fab Construction Enterprise Team. We are delighted to continue with this scholarship again this year.
A total of 10 new Women in Technology scholars were selected as follows;
Women in Technology Scholarship Winners
| Name | Academic Institution | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| Caitriona McNamara | Computer Engineering Trinity College Dublin | Celbridge, Co. Kildare |
| Linda Toomey | Computer Science and Maths Maynooth University | Celbridge, Co. Kildare |
| Kelly Man Kieu Luu | Computer Science International TU Dublin | Blanchardstown, Dublin |
| Alanna Fox | Physics with Astrophysics Maynooth University | Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare |
| Zahara Vazir | Computer Science with Data Science University College Dublin | Cherrywood, Dublin |
| Erika Beyers | Mechanical Engineering University College Dublin | Dublin 1 |
| Ellen Ralph | Physics with Instrumentation Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology | Mervue, Co. Galway |
| Maeve Wall | Engineering University College Cork | Glounthaune, Co. Cork |
| Naomi Bolarewaju | Computer Science with Information Technology NUI Galway | Co. Longford |
| Saoirse O’Donovan | Computer Forensics and Security Waterford IT | Clonmel, Co. Tipperary |
This new cohort of scholars join our wider scholar network which includes those who are still active scholars as they continue to pursue their studies, and those who have gone on to become alumni of the program. The wider scholarship network includes additional universities such as Dublin City University and University of Limerick.
Since the Intel Women in Technology scholarship program began, it has supported 139 students and a total of €1,705,000 has been invested in the initiative to date.
In addition to the Women in Technology scholarships, Intel Shannon presented Paul Whelan Memorial Scholarships which were provided to a number of students studying technology and engineering courses at the University of Limerick. This scholarship is awarded in memory of one of our employees, Paul Whelan. It endeavours to help outstanding students throughout their college course through internships and monetary support. This year Intel Shannon awarded 4 students with this prestigious award;
Paul Whelan Memorial Scholarships Winners
| Name | Academic Institution | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| Jim Keane | Electronic & Computer Engineering University of Limerick | Monaleen, Co. Limerick |
| Patrick Crotty | Electronic & Computer Engineering University of Limerick | Scariff, Co. Clare |
| Amie Patterson | Computer Science University of Limerick | Kilkee, Co. Clare |
| Oisin O’Sullivan | Computer Science University of Limerick | Newcastle West, Co. Limerick |
The scholars were presented with their awards at a virtual ceremony that was hosted by Intel just before Christmas. Speaking at the ceremony, Intel Ireland Programme Manager Tracey Nolan said; “At Intel we have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion and as part of that commitment, we are delighted to have the opportunity to encourage more young men and women to pursue careers in science and technology. We hope that the program will provide practical supports to the students as they work through what is a particularly challenging time”.
Congratulations to all of our Women in Technology and Paul Whelan scholarship recipients.
Additional information about Intel is available at:
Web – intel.ie | Twitter – @Intel_IRL | Facebook – Intel Ireland
Media contact: Sarah Sexton | sarah.sexton@intel.com | + 353 1