Using a variety of integrated approaches, the DIT Community Links Programme is a model of civic engagement in Higher Education, as acknowledged in the recently published National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030 (2011). The overall objective of the Programme is to help alleviate educational disadvantage, widen participation in higher education and enhance civic engagement, particularly in inner-city Dublin, although some of the programmes operate at national and international levels.
The Community Links Programme targets socio-economically disadvantaged people at primary, secondary, tertiary and community level. Interventions take the form of projects/programmes in schools and communities that involve engagement and the enhancement of self-esteem, confidence and motivation, while making learning fun. The programme supports socio-economically disadvantaged learners of all ages to access higher education, and supports those disadvantaged students who progress to higher education but may still require continuing support and guidance. There are also programmes that develop the social awareness and community engagement of the broader student population. All Community Links programmes work together with students and staff in DIT.
The Community Links Programme currently has five major, highly targeted programmes: Community-based: • Computer Learning in Communities • The Ballymun Music Programme DIT-based: • The Access Service • The Mature Student Access Programme • Students Learning With Communities As we are very interested in people’s views on, or responses to, our research and resources, please let us know if you use or cite our publications, or have a strong view on them: slwc@dit.ie