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Kilkenny Public Participation Network (PPN) has launched a Degree Scholarship Programme in Business, Social Enterprise & Community Development. Five scholarships that reward active citizenship will be awarded to individuals from our member organisations across Kilkenny. This programme in particular welcomes those who have worked as volunteers in the community, those looking for a career change or have experience in business. Applicants must demonstrate active involvement in their communities and a commitment to becoming PPN Champions in their district. Kilkenny PPN is a network of Community & Voluntary, Environment and Social Inclusion organisations/groups/clubs that have registered their contact details with the PPN at Kilkenny County Council. The PPN is a mechanism that enables the public to take an active formal role in relevant policy making and oversight committees of the Local Authority. It is open to all non-government organisations with a single-issue focus (non-political) for further information and registration go to www.kilkennyppn.ie. The degree programme is offered by EQUAL Ireland and accredited by the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). EQUAL Ireland works to sustain the European social model of an inclusive, cohesive information and knowledge rich society for all. The degree programme starting in January 2026 will be run over 18 months through a mixture of distant and independent learning. For more information on EQUAL Ireland visit www.equalireland.ie. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE KILKENNY BUSINESS NEWS Angela Hayes, Founder & CEO, The Thomas Hayes Trust (CLG) who previously completed the Degree and is a PPN representative on the Social Inclusion linkage group and Local Community Development Committee says: “As an early school leaver, I never thought college was possible for me. Putting together a portfolio of my life experience to apply for this course was a real challenge, but it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The Kilkenny PPN scholarship gave me the chance to take on a new journey of learning, gain confidence, and bring those skills into my work with Teac Tom and the wider community.” Carina Burrows, who is a member of the PPN Secretariat added: “Having started my 3rd level education later in life, I found the amount of support from fellow pupils and tutors second to none. Obtaining this degree has opened employment doors that were previously closed and given more options for my career in community development.” An information session will be held on Wednesday, November 5 at 7pm in the Berkeley Suite of the Pembroke Hotel, Kilkenny. Attendees will have the chance to meet Nuala and Eddie from EQUAL Ireland, as well as PPN members who have completed the degree, and get answers to any questions they may have. Applications open on November 5 and close at noon on December 1. Scholarships are available only to members of Kilkenny PPN-registered organisations. However, the Degree programme on offer is open to all members of the public. If you are interested in applying and are a member of a qualifying organisation that is not registered with the PPN your organisation can sign up prior to the application deadline. For more information or to apply, visit www.kilkennyppn.ie. You can also contact Bortha at ppnkilkenny@kilkennycoco.ie or call 056 7794255.
