STEM Passport for Inclusion: Building a more inclusive STEM pipeline

The CIF is continuing its support for the STEM Passport for Inclusion (STEMPassport Inc.), an award-winning initiative led by Maynooth University that aims to improve access to STEM education and careers for students from underserved and disadvantaged communities.

The programme combines a university-accredited STEM qualification, STEM skills development, mentoring, career guidance and work experience opportunities to help students progress towards third-level education and future careers. To date, the initiative has reached almost 10,000 students, engaged 143 secondary schools across 27 counties, and trained more than 1,500 mentors.

As part of the programme’s continued expansion, the 2026 intake will include not only girls from disadvantaged DEIS school backgrounds, but also cohorts involving boys, mixed-gender groups and other special cohorts as part of the programme’s evolving inclusion strategy.

CIF is encouraging greater participation from the construction sector through the Mentoring for Equality Programme, where professionals volunteer to support and encourage young people considering STEM pathways and careers. Mentors are welcome from across the industry – both women and men – reflecting the diversity of the sector and the shared role industry can play in supporting the next generation of talent.

Get involved

Recruitment has now opened for the Autumn 2026 Mentoring for Equality Programme, with mentors asked to commit approximately 9 hours per mentee group between September and December 2026. The programme includes mentoring training, Tusla certification and ongoing support resources for participants. New mentor resources for Autumn 2026 will include expanded materials for mixed-gender and all-boys cohorts, alongside additional guidance on allyship and mentoring best practice.

Optional mentor refresher sessions will also take place during August and early September to support both new and returning mentors ahead of programme launch.

CIF encourages members interested in mentoring, work experience opportunities or workplace visits to consider getting involved and helping build a more inclusive future talent pipeline for the construction and wider STEM sectors.

Expression of interest

If you would like to continue as a mentor or are a first-time mentor, please register by completing the Expression of Interest form below:

• Autumn 2026 Mentoring for Equality Mentor Expression of Interest – Fill in form
• Registration deadline: 30 June 2026