Valued at €28,000, this is the second year of this scholarship; a career-changing opportunity for one Breakthrough student that includes

Funding for a full-time Masters in Digital Marketing at T.U. Dublin

Comprehensive, immersive marketing paid-for experience with THINKHOUSE

Student Accommodation with Yugo for the entire academic year

Last year’s Scholarship was awarded to Bridget George (22) from Athy, who studied her Masters in Digital Marketing at T.U. whilst working (part-time) with us at Thinkhouse and living in Yugo’s student accommodation in Grangegorman. Speaking about her experience, Bridget said; “This scholarship is life-changing. Being able to live close to my college, and work at THINKHOUSE has given me both professional and personal experience that I could never have achieved without this Scholarship. Now, as I apply myself to my dissertation, I am confident that I have what it takes to make an impact in the Irish marketing industry and I’m excited for what the future holds.”

At the launch of the 2022 Breakthrough Scholarship Dr. Etain Kidney, Head of the School of Marketing and Entrepreneurship at Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin), said, “The Breakthrough Scholarship has removed the financial and social barriers that often stifle young careers, empowering a remarkable student to break into the industry. Now, in its second year, we remain steadfast in our commitment to diversity. This further supports our strong history as home to a diverse student-population and as a beacon for inclusivity in education.”

Claire Hyland, Head of The Youth Lab, THINKHOUSE said “As a marketing company, we’re proud of our heritage in being an advocate and voice for young people and their values. This scholarship is really important to us - it challenges the inequality in education and supports greater diversity in the marketing and creative communications industry, through action and real support. Already in the space of one year we have witnessed the impact such an experience can have on one student, but also how more diverse thinking in our business enables us to deliver on our mission to be a business for good.”

Accommodation is the third crucial pillar of the programme. In order to make this opportunity feasible and accessible for all, Yugo will offer the successful recipient free accommodation in their Ardcairn Residence near the TU Dublin Campus in Grangegorman, Dublin 7, for the entire academic year. Speaking on the programme, Niamh Banks, City Manager Dublin, Yugo Student Residences said “A quality education relies on having access to classes, space to study and a place you feel safe. As a global organisation equality, diversity, and inclusion is central to our approach in all we do, so we are proud, once again, to be able to support this important, life-changing initiative with T.U Dublin and Thinkhouse.”

Background

Research by the Royal Irish Academy and the British Council in Ireland found that minority groups, and people from disadvantaged backgrounds, are under-represented in Higher Education. Research from the Data and Marketing Association demonstrates an entrenched lack of ethnic, socio-economic and gender diversity within the wider marketing industry. Although the barriers to entry for these communities differ, socio-economic background remains a consistent barrier for all.

Applications

Applications for ‘The 2022 Breakthrough Scholarship’ are open to anyone, however, the scholarship is specifically to provide opportunity to disadvantaged and under-represented groups. The targeted outreach programme and recruitment campaign will reflect this by focussing on these communities. By providing the candidate with a fair graduate wage and removing the financial strain of college fees and rent, this programme has the potential to, once again, completely transform someone's life and change their future trajectory.