TUS helps mature students thrive in higher education
The TUS Access Service and College Connect has announced the return of the Foundations for Success programme at TUS Athlone Campus for 2025. The eight-week programme prepares mature students for the challenges of higher education, and addresses academic and digital literacy gaps by targeting students from priority groups in the National Access Plan 2022-2028 while fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
The programme achieved notable success in its first year: out of 16 participants, 12 completed the course, and three have since enrolled in the TUS Athlone Campus Access Course. Those students are now applying to the CAO for full-time courses starting in September 2025.
The programme responds directly to the College Connect Community Needs Analysis recommendations for further education students, which highlighted concerns among mature students about their IT skills and readiness for higher education.
Foundations for Success addresses those challenges by cultivating essential skills for academic achievement, with a strong emphasis on digital literacy.
Key components of the programme are: digital literacy: enhancing participants’ IT skills to bridge the digital gap; completion: encouraging commitment and sustained engagement throughout the programme; Motivational factors: building confidence, personal growth, and skill development; Pathways: providing guidance on supports and routes into further and higher education.
Participants engaged in workshops to develop essential IT skills and gain confidence through interactive sessions. The programme concluded with a showcase celebration featuring certificate presentations and personal performances highlighting achievements and aspirations.
Foundations for Success is built on collaborations with local community organisations, which ensure the programme reaches those who will benefit most and supports them in achieving their educational goals.
Who can apply
Registration for Foundations for Success is now open for 2025. The programme is open to all students aged 23 and above interested in improving their digital literacy skills and learning more about accessing pathways into higher education.