Youth STEM Matters Volunteer Earns University Recognition
Éimear Stephenson, Senior Science Communication Editor at Youth STEM Matters, has been recognised with a prestigious Presidential Award for Volunteering by National University of Ireland, Galway.
The award recognises Éimear’s commitment to volunteering and contribution towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals - both at Youth STEM 2030, and through her volunteering at land based charity Green Sod Ireland.
All of the awardees from NUI Galway were celebrated through a virtual awards ceremony in May, which included words of thanks from Mayor of Galway City, Mike Cubbard, and several student volunteers who shared their stories. This marks the 18th year of the ALIVE awards, an initiative at NUI Galway which aims to harness, support and reward students’ voluntary activity across the university campus, Galway city, and wider communities to develop their own practical skills and civic awareness.
On winning the award, Éimear said:
“I’m so grateful to have received the President’s Award. I love the organisations I volunteer with, as they’re genuinely such a blast to be with! They’ve enhanced my knowledge and skills, and connected me with so many wonderful people. Not only that, but I feel like the work we achieve at these organisations truly makes a difference in the world! It feels amazing to have that work recognised by this award. I’m very thankful!”
Youth STEM 2030 Founder & CEO, Mhairi McCann added her congratulations:
“Congratulations to Éimear on this very well deserved recognition for her volunteering! Éimear has made a huge contribution to Youth STEM Matters since she joined the team last year, and this award alongside her recent Volunteer of the Month recognition are testament to her hard work and commitment.”
When asked what she enjoys the most about volunteering, Éimear said:
“Honestly, there are so many things that I love about volunteering! One of the aspects that I enjoy most are the unexpected connections you make. There are others too, however, I think my absolute favourite part of volunteering is knowing that I’m a part of a group that is genuinely helping both the planet and the people.”
Students are selected to receive the Presidential Award through a reflection based application process, and the award will also be included and recognised on Éimear’s Diploma Supplement (a record of academic and non-academic achievements) once she graduates university.
“I’m delighted that Youth STEM 2030 volunteers like Éimear are being recognised externally, as it shows just how impressive their achievements within Youth STEM 2030 are, and the value of the experiences they have gained from being involved in our programmes.”
