Trinity Walton Club celebrates 10 years of transforming STEM education in Ireland

Posted on: 20 May 2025

Trinity Walton Club (TWC), a pioneering STEM education initiative based at Trinity College Dublin, recently celebrated a decade of empowering Ireland’s next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians through dynamic, non-formal learning experiences.

To mark this milestone, TWC welcomed alumni, mentors, supporters, and friends to Trinity. Highlights included: a commemorative video showcasing learner stories; the release of a new Pathways Podcast series, sharing alumni journeys; and an exhibition tracing the programme’s evolution over the past 10 years.

Dr Ali Irannezhad, Administration Office at TWC, Dr Arlene Gallagher, Director at TWC, Dr Linda Doyle, Provost, Trinity College Dublin, Dr Paul Irving, Community Manager at TWC.

Since its launch, TWC has delivered over 7,000 STEM engagements, with its unifying aims being to ignite curiosity, build confidence, and develop critical STEM skills in teenagers. Around 85% of the Club’s first alumni cohort—now aged 25—went on to pursue STEM degrees, underlining the programme’s long-term impact.

A newly released 10-Year Impact Report highlights TWC’s evolution and meaningful learner outcomes. At the heart of its offerings is the Saturday STEM Club, a unique, four-year programme delivering sustained learning through its Explorer and Innovator stages. With 91% average annual completion rates, the Club far exceeds national norms for enrichment programme retention.

“Over the past decade, we’ve grown into a purpose-driven, self-financing social enterprise with an inclusive, values-led model that grows alongside its learners,” said Dr Arlene Gallagher, Founding Director of Trinity Walton Club, who is based in Trinity’s School of Physics.

“This milestone is both a celebration of how far we’ve come and a springboard to what lies ahead.”

Writing in the 10-Year Impact Report, Dr Linda Doyle, Provost & President at Trinity College Dublin, said:“The Walton Club was born out of passion— the passion of the academics and staff here who wanted to pass on their love for STEM, to foster curiosity among kids who are interested in it. The fact that it’s still going strong ten years later, with so many eager to engage every weekend, really speaks to that success.”

Key findings from a recent alumni survey reveal TWC’s transformative impact:

• 88% said their sense of belonging in STEM deepened through TWC
• 81% reported TWC influenced their Leaving Certificate subject choices
• 90% said the Club shaped their study or career direction
• 28% increase in self-efficacy, significantly boosting learners’ academic confidence

Unlike typical extracurricular programmes, that have dropout rates of up to 35%, TWC’s Saturday Club sees 75% of learners progressing from the Explorer to Innovator stages—demonstrating a rare level of sustained engagement among teenagers.

Dr Arlene Gallagher added: “As we now look to the future, TWC is committed to scaling its impact through bursary supports, sustainable practices, and a learner-first approach. We are particularly proud that the Club now offers year-round STEM programmes for all second-level learners and are very excited to see what the next decade brings.”

Visit www.tcd.ie/waltonclub to explore upcoming opportunities and join a growing community unlocking STEM potential for all.

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