MTU up for 3 at Triple E
A Munster based university has been shortlisted for 3 awards at a global event in recognition of its pioneering work with the wider community.
Munster Technological University (MTU), which has campuses in Cork and Kerry, received the most nominations of any higher education institution in Ireland for this year’s ACEEU Triple E Awards.
The Triple E Awards are a global recognition of efforts toward the quest for entrepreneurship and engagement in higher education and are awarded annually by the Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (ACEEU).
The 3 awards MTU has been shortlisted for are: Engaged University of the Year (global award); EDI Community Engagement Initiative of the Year (European award); and SDG Education programme of the Year (European award).
The university’s work in these categories included training prisoners for work in the culinary arts industry (The Open-Door Restaurant: Unlocking Potential), collaborating with 2nd level students on sustainability goals to build a brighter future (The GoalMine Programme), and forging partnerships with industry partners and community groups (MTU Extended Campus).
MTU will join with the London School of Economics, Trinity College Dublin, and Brunel University as well as a host of other top-ranked 3rd level institutions at the prestigious awards ceremony to be held in Barcelona from 26-29 June.
It is the 2nd consecutive year for MTU to reach the finals of the ACEEU Triple E Awards.
Professor Irene Sheridan, founder and head of MTU Extended Campus, said: “Being shortlisted for the Engaged University of the Year is a recognition of MTU's commitment to, and leadership in, engagement throughout the university as a whole. We are not just ready to engage, but we are proactive in seeking out opportunities.”
She continued: “We know that building and developing relationships requires long-term commitment and our committed team values our relationships with public, private, and not-for-profit organisations.
“This kind of international recognition is really supportive and our links with international organisations such as ACEEU help us to ensure that we are informed by international best practice,” she concluded.
The MTU Extended Campus works to break down barriers between the university and the community with an aim to be the most industry, enterprise, arts, culture, and community engaged university in the region while providing clear enterprise engagement pathways.
The Open-Door Restaurant: Unlocking Potential is a unique collaboration between MTU, Cork ETB, Irish Association for Social Inclusion Opportunities, and Cork Prison, working together to train and educate prisoners to improve and develop their culinary skills and workplace learning.
The programme culminated in a pop-up restaurant which allowed students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the culinary domain.
Subsequently, 4 former prisoners are now working in the culinary arts, while 2 others were offered jobs pending release.
The GoalMine Programme looks to develop creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial skills in young people.
The programme sees students collaborate in teams to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030 by creating future-oriented solutions.
Using facilitation methods, business tools, and engaging activities, GoalMine cultivates an innovation mindset and fosters problem-solving, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship.
It is delivered to Transition Year students at DEIS Schools (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools).