Intel has awarded one scholarship and four bursary awards to five local students. The students were presented with their awards when they visited the Leixlip campus recently. The scholarship awards are worth €2,000 for each year of study, equivalent to €8,000 for a four year degree and they also include a paid work placement in Intel. The bursary awards are worth €2,000 for the first year of study.

The five local students were awarded their certificate by Gerry Nolan, Intel Public Affairs Education Specialist. The scholarship award was presented to Thomas Phelan. Thomas is from Confey College in Leixlip, and has started studying Mechatronics in Dublin City University.

The four bursary awards were presented to Rachel Hasstrup from Lucan who went to school in St Joseph’s College and is currently studying Chemical Engineering in UCD; Ashling Kerr from Celbridge who went to school in St Wolstan’s and is studying Theoretical Physics in Trinity College, Dublin; Bridget Nolan from Leixlip who went to school in Confey College and is studying Mechatronics in Blanchardstowns and Christopher Fouhy from Clane who went to school in Scoil Mhuire and is studying Mechatronics in DCU.

The aim of the Intel scholarship programme is to encourage local students to study physics or chemistry at second level and to pursue third level technical courses which Intel hire from, such as Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Sciences or Computer Science. During their work placement Intel scholars participate in community projects to share their interest in science with younger students. These projects include visiting local schools to talk about their experiences and promote science and engineering. Over the last 14 years, Intel Ireland has given over 100 scholarships and bursaries to local students.

An Intel mentor is assigned to each scholar to provide guidance and support throughout their study and the recipients of the local scholarship and undergraduate scholarship awards will undertake their college work placement in Intel.

The local scholarship programme is an integral part of Intel’s education programme. Education is a major focus area for Intel Ireland. The mission of Intel's Education Policy is to be a major force in improving science, mathematics and technology education in the second and third level education arena. The Intel Innovation in Education initiative is a global, multi-million dollar programme focusing on preparing today's students for tomorrow's challenges. In 2005, Intel Ireland contributed more than €1.5 million to local and national education programmes including the Intel Teach to the Future programme which has trained 8,500 teachers to date; the Intel Design and Discovery programme; Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition; post-graduate research projects; and equipment donations

Objectives of Intel's Education Policy

• Support science, mathematics and technology education
• Enhance technology collaborations at strategic focus groups
• Promote the adoption of Intel Technology at selected major third level colleges
• Support Intel's college recruitment activities at targeted schools
• Support strategic research in partner colleges
• Promote the adoption of ICT in the classroom as a pedagogic tool

Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.

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