NCI/Metro Change Your Life Fund Winner Announced

NCI and Metro have announced that Karl Kilmartin is the winner of the Change Your Life Education Fund. Entrants were asked to submit their personal stories and answer the question: Why do you want to change your life, and how could education help?

 Karl (pictured left with girlfriend Donna and their family) was chosen from 7 finalists and will receive a life-changing prize that includes an educational fund worth €20,000 and €15,000 in other supports, such as mentoring, computer equipment and even a style package worth €1,000.  

NCI president Paul Mooney said that the judges had a very difficult task. “The overall standard of entries was incredibly high. We reviewed just under 100 applications, each including a powerful 2000 word essay that outlined how education could change that individual's life for the better. It was a difficult choice but Karl’s honesty and determination really stood out for us. His personal journey is a real-life story of survival and success against the odds.  Karl is passionate about getting ahead and he believes that an education is the only thing now missing from his life. We are delighted to make that dream come true.” 

Karl was selected from a group of seven finalists, who all progressed to the interview stage of the contest. These individuals were so inspiring that the judges resolved to do something for each and every one of them. We are delighted to announce the introduction of the Change Your Life Scholarship, which will be offered to each of the finalists. The joint NCI/Metro scholarship will cover a whopping 75% of the cost of their chosen course.

Commenting on the scholarship, Dr. Mooney said: “At National College of Ireland we want to help as many people as possible to fulfil their educational ambitions. The Change Your Life Scholarship means we can help each of the finalists to achieve their potential, regardless of their financial situation. In addition, we have invited everyone who entered the competition to a special advice clinic at the college, where experts will provide one-to-one sessions on how people can move forward with their education and career.” 

If you could also benefit from expert advice on these topics then never fear, help is at hand. NCI has planned a whole week of events and activities in response to the current economic uncertainty. Career BootCamp Week spans from Monday 31^st August to Friday 4^th September and offers a whole host of free tips and advice to give you practical help in the current employment market, and real skills and insights to cope with the new rules of job searching.