Looking back at the Education Awards 2026 earlier this year, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick has been named winner of the Best Education Outreach Award – Learner, Schools & Academic Engagement, recognised for the CRAFT Maker Space, an inclusive outreach hub that has delivered transformative effects on classroom practice while inspiring children and families across the wider community to engage with STEAM and consider higher education as part of their futures.

The CRAFT Maker Space operates at the intersection of campus development and community engagement, connecting schools, families, industry, and society through dynamic STEAM workshops, exhibitions, and collaborative projects designed to foster lifelong learning and social participation. By opening its campus to the wider community, Mary Immaculate College has demonstrated how Ireland's universities and colleges can extend their educational leadership beyond the lecture hall to create genuine, lasting impact at a grassroots level.

The programme's scale and depth gave it particular distinction. Teachers reported transformative effects on their confidence and capacity to teach STEM, pointing to an initiative that is not just reaching students but strengthening the educators who shape them. That ripple effect — from higher education institution to teacher to classroom to student — reflects a model of outreach built for lasting impact rather than short-term engagement metrics.

An evidence-based approach, well-structured application, and impressive developmental plans for future growth gave judges a clear picture of a programme with both a strong track record and a credible pathway to expanded reach and influence across the Irish education sector.

Judges were emphatic in their praise. "This entry has proven to be highly impactful, with teachers reporting transformative effects on classroom practice, boosting both confidence and capacity to teach STEM. By opening its campus to engage with the community, Mary Immaculate College encourages children to consider higher education in their futures. The programme's scale, depth, and clear, evidence-based approach demonstrate its success in bringing STEAM to the wider community. The well-structured application and impressive developmental plans further underscore its potential for lasting impact," the panel stated.

The Education Awards 2026 gala took place on 16 April at the Johnstown Estate, Enfield, Co. Meath.

For the complete 2026 winners list, category insights, and institution profiles, visit the official Education Awards website and subscribe to the newsletter for updates and insights.