Schools of Excellence Award 2023 Announced

Sixteen schools throughout Ireland were recently recognised under the YSI Schools of Excellence Awards Scheme for their commitment to social innovation education.
They join a wider network of schools awarded with the YSI Plaques to celebrate their achievement in their continuous participation in Young Social Innovators.

Schools recognised under the awards scheme share YSI's vision that 'Ireland's young people feel inspired, empowered and equipped to change the world for good.' They are the important vehicles through which young people experience social innovation education and all of the benefits it brings to teenagers themselves, to schools and to local communities.

The YSI Schools of Excellence Awards were launched back in 2014 by former Taoiseach Enda Kenny in partnership with YSI's public partners. They recognise schools for the way in which they:

• Empower young people in their community to realise their potential as powerful catalysts for positive change
• Demonstrate a sustained commitment to supporting young people in the learning and practice of social innovation
• Develop self-belief and confidence in young people and value their voice and opinions
• Value and celebrate staff members who support social innovation education within the school community
• Promote a culture of equality, inclusion, respect, fairness and innovation

The following schools are recipients of a YSI School of Excellence Award in 2023

• Abbeyfeale Community College, Co. Limerick
• Alexandra College, Milltown, Dublin 
• Beechill College, Co. Monaghan
• Caritas College, Ballyfermot, Dublin 
• Carrigtowhill Community College, Co. Cork 
• Coláiste an Phiarsaigh, Glanmire, Co. Cork 
• Cork Educate Together Secondary School 
• De Lacy College, Ashbourne, Co. Meath
• Loreto Secondary School, Fermoy, Co. Cork 
• Nagle Community College, Mahon, Co. Cork 
• Presentation Secondary School, Co. Wexford 
• Scoil Mhuire gan smál, Blarney Co. Cork 
• St. Brendan's Community School, Birr, Co. Offaly 
• St. Vincent's Secondary School, Cork
• Terence MacSwiney Community College, Knocknaheeny, Cork
• Wilson's Hospital School, Westmeath 

Congratulations to the schools that have won the Schools of Excellence Award in 2023! It's inspiring to witness the profound impact of social innovation education on young minds throughout their school community and beyond. We applaud your continuous participation in Young Social Innovators and celebrate your ongoing achievements.