Bon Secours Hospital Tralee, part of the Bon Secours Health System, has launched the Potel Scholarship Programme, a €20,000 initiative supporting socioeconomically disadvantaged students from County Kerry to pursue full-time undergraduate studies at MTU Kerry Campus.
The scholarship reflects the hospital’s commitment to social justice, inclusion, and community support and will award €5,000 per year to one eligible student for up to four years. Students who have secured a place on a full time Level 8 undergraduate programme at MTU Kerry Campus in a STEAM discipline are eligible to apply for this scholarship - Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics - or in Nursing and Health Care Studies.
The programme is designed for students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds, including those from low-income households, DEIS schools, Traveller or Roma communities, direct provision settings, mature learners, and students with disabilities.
Beyond financial support, scholarship recipients may gain part-time work experience at Bon Secours Hospital Tralee during their studies and compete for post-graduation placements aligned with their qualifications.
TJ O’Connor, CEO of Bon Secours Hospital Tralee, said:
"At Bon Secours Hospital Tralee, we believe education has the power to transform lives, families and communities. Through the Potel Scholarship Programme, we want to help remove financial barriers that can prevent talented young people from achieving their potential.
This scholarship is about far more than financial assistance. It is about creating opportunity, supporting ambition and investing in the future of County Kerry. We are proud to partner with MTU Kerry Campus to support students who may otherwise face significant challenges in accessing higher education.”
Owen McCarthy, Head of Mission, Bon Secours Hospital Tralee, added:
"At the heart of the Bon Secours mission is a commitment to human dignity, compassion and creating opportunities for those who may face barriers in life.
The Potel Scholarship Programme is a meaningful expression of those values in action. Rooted in the vision of the Foundress of Bon Secours, Mother Josephine Potel, to be of ‘good help to those in need’, this initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to inclusion, social justice and supporting the wellbeing and future development of our local community.
We are proud to play a role in helping students realise their potential and contribute positively to society.”
Stephanie Somers-Crowley, Access Officer, MTU, said:
“MTU is delighted to partner with Bon Secours Hospital Tralee on the Potel Scholarship Programme. Widening participation is a key priority for the University and we know that, for many students, financial and other barriers can have a very real impact not only on accessing higher education, but on their ability to participate fully and succeed once they are here. This scholarship represents a significant investment in a Kerry student over the course of their studies and is a strong example of what can be achieved through partnership between higher education and our local community. We particularly welcome the inclusion of Nursing and Health Care Studies alongside the broader STEAM disciplines, building on the existing relationship between MTU and Bon Secours Hospital Tralee while creating opportunities for students across a wide range of programmes.”
Further details on eligibility and application dates are available at MTU Kerry Campus.