Carlow woman awarded prestigious Google scholarship
Carlow woman Ak Bitu receives her Google Insight scholarship certificate from taoiseach Micheál Martin
A CARLOW WOMAN originally from Bangladesh, Aka Bitu, is celebrating her success after receiving an Insight scholarship at a ceremony in Google’s Dublin headquarters last Thursday.
The event, held at Google HQ in Barrow Street, saw taoiseach Micheál Martin present scholarship certificates to 40 students from under-represented backgrounds across Ireland, all of whom will pursue STEM-related studies at third level.
“I am very happy to get this opportunity to study computing in international art and design at the South East Technological University,” said Aka, who has lived in Carlow for the past decade.
“I am a single mother with three children. I have no family here to support me and my children, so going back to study is very challenging for me. This support and the mentorship that comes with it makes my dream a possibility.”
The scholarship programme is funded by Google.org and co-ordinated by the Insight Research Ireland Centre for Data Analytics in partnership with Dublin City University. It aims to support students from diverse backgrounds – including members of the Traveller community, state care leavers, people with disabilities and refugees – in pursuing subjects such as AI, cybersecurity and digital safety at one of 13 Irish universities.
A quarter of this year’s scholarship recipients are mature students and 41.5% are women.
Speaking at the ceremony, the taoiseach stressed the importance of inclusivity in technology, saying: “In an increasingly digitalised world, ensuring a strong pipeline of talent in STEM fields is paramount for the future sustainability of our society and economy.”
With a total funding package of €1.5 million over five years, the Insight Scholarship Programme is the largest of its kind in Ireland. Each successful scholar is awarded €5,000 a year – for up to five years – to pursue their studies in one of 230 STEM courses.
