We’re incredibly proud that a case study outlining the linked provision between South East Technological University (SETU) and An Cosán has resulted in the award of €1 million for SETU in the Higher Education Authority (HEA) Performance Funding 2023. This is clear recognition of the power of community education to create transformative higher education pathways for social inclusion and sustainable development.
Based upon our successful collaboration, SETU and An Cosán now share an evidence-based model that demonstrates how adult learners experiencing diverse inequalities can be supported and motivated to access, participate, and succeed in third level education in line with the objectives of the National Access Plan 2022-2028. An Cosán also believes that this model demonstrates the important role that community education can play in the provision of an accessible, unified tertiary system.
An Cosán is the largest community education provider in the country, providing third-level opportunities for over 100 learners annually, who study across a range of disciplines and award levels. Our nationally and internationally recognised expertise in community development and community education is also relied upon by our 246 community partner organisations across the country.
The Performance Fund announcement was made by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD, at the HEA’s System Performance Framework launch at SETU’s Carlow campus on 25th September 2023.
In relation to the announcement, An Cosán’s CEO Heydi Foster said: “We are thrilled our valuable linked partnership with SETU has been recognised in this way by the Higher Education Authority. The collaboration and partnership between SETU and An Cosán is innovative and demonstrates how higher education can be delivered outside the walls of academia into socially excluded communities, in partnership with those communities, and responding to the stated needs of those communities.”
Heydi continued: “Building on our respective expertise and collaboration, An Cosán is positioned to work with SETU to further deliver improved outcomes in terms of access, participation, and success. This will allow us to further demonstrate what can be achieved through robust community education and higher education collaboration and pathways in Ireland.”
Here at An Cosán, we enjoy following the progress of our higher education graduates, all of whom are now enjoying improved quality of life and who are fostering sustainable development in their communities.
You can find out more about our higher education programmes at this link.
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