BT financial grant to support schools’ participation in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition

Over half a million euros distributed in financial aid by BT since 2006.

BT, the organiser and sponsor of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) today confirmed that it will continue its significant financial aid package to schools to support their participation in the 2016 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.

In 2015, BT provided €75,000 in grant funding to 139 schools across the island of Ireland.  In total, since BT began the scheme in 2006, it has contributed over half a million euros in funding to schools across the island of Ireland.    

The grant scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to the ever expanding number of schools travelling to participate in the BTYSTE, ensuring that all schools can be involved, regardless of their geographical location. Schools which are located over 70km from the RDS in Dublin, the home of the exhibition, are eligible to apply for a grant of €150 per individual entry or €300 for a group entry, up to a maximum of €1,500 per school.

Michelle Sliney, Principal of Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig, Co. Cork, who availed of the grant in order to participate in the 2015 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition said, “The BT grant provides crucial financial aid to allow us participate in the exhibition by covering costs such as travel and accommodation. It is one of many reasons why we consider the BTYSTE as one of the most progressive and accessible events of its kind and why we enter every year. Above all, our students love submitting a project and getting the chance to experience the week in the RDS, so it is important for us as a school to be able to facilitate this creativity and support their interest in subjects like science, technology, engineering and maths.”

Mari Cahalane, Head of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, said; “Our goal is for every second level school across the island of Ireland to participate in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition and experience the wonder of STEM in a practical way outside of the classroom. We understand however, that the financial costs of travel and accommodation can be a barrier for some schools so we want to make sure that no school is left out for this reason. With this grant, there’s no stopping any school from entering so we would encourage all students and teachers interested in taking part to get their thinking caps on and submit their project ideas by the deadline date of 29th September.”

The 2016 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition will take place in the RDS, Dublin from 6th – 9th January 2016 and the closing date for entries is 29th September, 2015.  As well as the opportunity to have your project shortlisted and experiencing a week at the exhibition in Dublin, there are also over 120 student, teachers and school awards to be won, including cash prizes, international trips and the overall title of BT Young Scientist & Technologist(s) of the Year.

For more information on the exhibition and for details on how to enter, log onto www.btyoungscientist.com or follow the exhibition on Twitter @BTYSTE.