two young female students talking and pushing a bicycle

The Access Volunteer Programme builds on the recognition that role models are an important feature of any young person's life. With this in mind, the programme recruits and trains Access students to become Ambassadors for the promotion of higher education. The primary aim of the programme is to raise the aspirations of pupils in disadvantaged schools with regard to their progression to higher education

The Programme is open to all existing Access students. Successful applicants will be provided with full training before becoming an Ambassador. Ambassadors have found this training very helpful as it teaches them how to deliver a presentation and instills confidence to speak in front of a group. These skills are put to use when students are required to make presentations as part of their course work.

Ambassadors, as role models and as living testament to the fact that it is possible to attend higher education irrespective of  background, visit schools or meet with pupils on campus to talk about life as a higher level student. During these talks, Ambassadors aim to inspire, motivate and encourage pupils to realise their full potential. These visits have been well received by pupils as they can relate to the Ambassadors who are close in age to themselves.

    Pre-entry Access programmes that Ambassadors work on are:

    Access Mentoring Programme takes place on campus and aims to offer  guidance, or direction by a mentor. The idea behind these programmes are that older students help new students settle into UL. Mentors will answer questions not just about a course, but all aspects of university life. Mentors  will hold three meetings in the Autumn semester and one meeting in the Spring semester with their Mentees. The mentor can influence the personal and professional growth of a mentee ensuring a successful transition into University life. 

    Campus Access programmes that Access Mentors work on are:

    • Student Leader for Transition to University(TUC) 
    • Peer Mentoring for incoming 1st years

    Please Note that, Students can combine their hours across each programme to apply for a President's Volunteer Award

    If you are an Access student and you feel you would like an opportunity to give something back to the Access Office and local communities by becoming a Student Ambassador/Mentor, or should you require any further information about the Access Volunteer Programme, please contact access@ul.ie