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Activate Programme
Sign Up for Activate 2025-26
Programme Overview
Students work in teams to choose a social issue they care about, design an idea to tackle it and take action.
Transition Year and Youthreach students.
About the Programme
Working in teams, students explore issues of concern to them locally, nationally or globally. They explore the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and take creative, collaborative action on the social issue they are passionate about. Young people tackle a diverse range of issues each year including climate change, sustainable living, gender equality, racism, sexual consent, crime, community facilities, mental health and integration.
Over 5000 young people take part in Activate each year. Activate can be delivered as a 30-hour TY micro module aligned to the new Civic and Community Engagement developmental indicator, while also proving positive outcomes in Personal and Learner development.
Why do it
This exciting programme provides a unique opportunity for young people to explore and take innovative action on an issue they care about, to engage with their community in new ways and to make a difference to the world around them. Along the way, students are invited to fun and engaging events and are given opportunities to platform their voice, opinions and ideas for change. Their curiosity, creativity and problem solving talents are enhanced as they develop and implement innovative solutions to social problems facing all of us.
“Amazing opportunity for young people to have a voice and be heard.”
How it Works
- Educator registers to take part in the programme
- Activate can be facilitated as a stand-alone subject as part of Transition Year (1-2 classes per week from September through May). It can also be facilitated as a module or an extension for subjects including but not limited to Politics & Society, Business Studies and Religious Education. It can be taught as a 30 hour TY Micro-Module.
- Educator can attend optional YSI Guide Training
- Educator accesses suite of online programme resources
- Students form a team, select an issue they care about and create a social innovation project around it, bringing their ideas to life
- All teams invited to present their projects as part of the YSI Speak Out Tour. (Watch the 2024 Highlights Video here)
- Teams can participate in YSI Den and Tell Your TD Week (all optional)
- Teams submit an online project report and receive feedback and certification
- Teams showcase their project locally as part of #YSIWeek (optional), sharing their local activities using the #YSIWeek hashtag
- Shortlisted teams invited to compete at a virtual pitching event
- Winning teams are invited to the Young Social Innovators Awards event. (Watch the 2024 Highlights Video here)
“Clear dates, targets and milestones. Supportive of teachers and realistic to the demands of teaching.”
Watch videos about past Activate Projects:
RACE (Right Attitude Creates Equality) - Largy College, Monaghan
3 Ds (Boomerang Youth Café) - Our Lady's College, Greenhills
Greener Globe - Tullamore Community College
Thinking of offering this programme as part of Transition Year?
Download the Activate Calendar 2025/2026
This includes all the key dates for Activate.
View a presentation to pitch the programme to your students
An engaging way to introduce Activate and excite your students about the year ahead.
Download the Transition Year Micro-Module template
The final version will be published shortly. No significant changes will be made to the latest draft. If you would like to be sent the latest draft, please email educate@ysi.ie
Enhancing learner, teacher and school objectives
Participation in this programme enables students to engage purposefully in meaningful learning activities, grow as learners through respectful interactions and experiences, reflect on their progress as young social innovators, and develop a sense of ownership and responsibility for their learning.
As well as contributing to teacher CPD, the programme contributes to whole school practice and self-evaluation, including the Looking at Our School Framework.
“The project changed us. It made us more mature, and we feel like it's had an impact on the whole year group and school."
Supports for Teachers
- Micro-Module template available to download
- Suite of ready-made lesson plans and activities
- Dedicated live teacher training sessions
- Online platform to connect with other teachers and YSI staff
- Pre-recorded videos for key stages of the programme
- A team of regional local leaders on hand for advice
Benefits for Students
- Explore issues of concern in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Take creative, collaborative action on a diverse range of topics including climate change, sustainable living, gender equality, racism, sexual consent, crime, community facilities, mental health & integration
- Self-directed learning and problem solving through critical thinking
- Become more engaged in the local community & have a positive impact on the world
- Empowers Youth Voice and reinforces the belief that young people have the agency to shape a fairer, more inclusive society
- Develops skills for life and work
- Certification and feedback for students
Participation in this programme can help your school reach the level of activity required to apply for WWGS's Global Passport Award in many categories. We recommend the YSI Guide works with the teacher in charge of the Global Passport to identify areas of potential collaboration.
Participation in this programme counts towards the Personal Skill and Community Involvement aspect of Gaisce bronze, silver and gold awards.
Programme Supported by
Related Pages:
The Speak Out Tour
Learn about these regional events where young people gather to speak out and be heard on the issues that matter to them.
Young Social Innovators Awards
Read about the YSI Awards, celebrating excellence in youth-led social innovation.
Programme Content
Find out more about resources for teachers, download our wallplanner and access our TY Micro-Module template.