SCHOOL IMPACT AWARDS OPEN NOW! REGISTER HERE FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION PACK

Welcome to the AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards! After the incredibly successful inaugural awards, we are excited to announce the return of the AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards 2024/25!

AIB is all about building sustainable communities, and the Future Sparks School Impact Awards shines a spotlight on schools making a real difference in social, financial, and environmental success.

These awards celebrate schools driving change through fundraising, volunteering, activism, and mentoring. Students use their skills to impact their communities while learning and growing.

We’re here to honour the talents developed through the AIB Future Sparks Programme and empower schools and students to create lasting, positive change. Join us in celebrating these incredible achievements, you can register here to receive your free participation pack!

Pictured at the launch of the AIB School Impact Awards 2024/25, Students from last year’s AIB School Impact Awards Overall Winners, Trinity Comprehensive, Ballymun, with Ryan Marr.

AIB FUTURE SPARKS 2023/24 WINNERS

AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards 1st Prize Winner

Trinity Comprehensive Ballymun, Dublin

Congratulations to Trinity Comprehensive School for their outstanding commitment to uniting their community with over 60 diverse projects.

Large Group Financial Award Winner

Colaiste Abhainn Ri, Kilkenny

For their commitment and generosity towards children's health with donations benefiting Oscars Kid’s Club – well done Coláiste Abhainn Rí

Large Group Environmental Award Winner

Colaiste Eamonn Ris, Cork

Well done to Coláiste Éamann Rís for their efforts to enhance local biodiversity and environmental stewardship.

Large Group Social Award Winner

Colaiste Naomh Cormac, Offaly

Congratulations to Coláiste Naomh Cormac for their passion and dedication and to fostering diversity, inclusion, and community spirit.

Judge's Commendation Social Award Winner

St Mac Dara's, Dublin

For their commitment to community care through engaging activities fostering social connections – Well done St. Mac Dara’s Community College.

Small Group Mixed Financial Award Winner

Mitchelstown CBS, Cork

A remarkable accomplishment for Mitchelstown CBS with their impactful "Shave or Dye" fundraiser, in support of the Irish Cancer Society.

Judge's Commendation Social Award Winner

St Joseph's Secondary School,Dublin

Congratulations to St. Joseph’s Secondary School for their exceptional leadership educating the community and trainee teachers on DEI topics.

Senior Small Group Financial Award Winner

Wilson's Hospital School, Westmeath

Well done to Wilson’s Hospital School for their 'Comfort Over Crisis' initiative, raising much needed funds for Mullingar Regional Hospital.

Judge's Commendation Financial Award Winner

St Mary's Diocesan School, Louth

Exceptional work from St Mary’s Diocesan School in their creation of "Drogheda Made Inspiration," a book celebrating local inspirations and raising funds for charity through teamwork and communication.

Senior Small Group Environmental Award Winner

Saint Eunan's College, Donegal

For their commitment to promoting sustainability through idling campaigns and eco-friendly challenges – Outstanding work from Saint Eunan’s College.

Senior Small Group Social Award Winner

Portlaoise College, Laois

Congratulations to Portlaoise College for their dedication to addressing neurodiversity unemployment, the BridgeAbility team launched a fantastic campaign targeting local businesses.

Junior Small Group Financial Award Winner

Colaiste Dún Iascaigh, Tipperary

A remarkable accomplishment from Coláiste Dún Iascaigh in raising funds for the Dillon Quirke Foundation, spreading awareness of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS).

Junior Small Group Environmental Award Winner

St Mary's Secondary School, Wexford

For their dedication to promoting biodiversity and environmental responsibility – Exceptional work from St. Mary’s Secondary School Wexford.

Junior Small Group Social Award Winner

Coláiste na Ríochta. Kerry

Outstanding work from Coáiste na Ríochta, who showed true leadership and empathy in initiating a kindness project, fostering a culture of giving back.

Senior Individual Financial Award Winner

Sacred Heart Secondary School, Cork

Exceptional work from Lauren Eady in Sacred Heart Secondary School For her commitment and proactive efforts in promoting financial literacy.

Senior Individual Environmental Award Winner

Merlin College, Galway

Congratulations to Jerin Akram for her innovative approach to sustainability, pioneering eco-friendly alternatives.

Senior Individual Social Award Winner

CBS, New Ross

Well done to Michael Ross for his leadership in young men's mental health awareness in this grassroots lead movement.

Why take part?

  • Make an Impact: Use your skills to positively influence the community.
  • Develop Skills: Gain new skills in teamwork, communication, and project planning.
  • Build Values: Learn selflessness, kindness, and the power of community.
  • Strengthen Communities: Contribute to a thriving, sustainable future for Ireland.
  • Get Recognitized: Showcase your school’s achievements and receive public recognition and media coverage.
Grand total of €25,000 up for grabs!
The prize breakdown is as follows:
€10,000
for the overall winning school
€2,000
for Mixed Level/Large Groups (35+ students) for all levels
€1,250
for Small Groups (2-34 students) at Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle
€500
for Individuals (1 student - any pillar) at Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle
Plus various additional prizes
Get Involved!
We know schools are doing outstanding work every single day to contribute to their community so getting involved is easy! To participate, click through these simple steps below:

 

School Impact Awards Submission Journey

Register Your School: Register here to receive a participation pack, containing students’ participation booklet which will help to plan and implement your act of social responsibility.

Identify Your Project: Select a project that highlights your school’s positive impact on the community across the three pillars: Environmental, Social, and Financial. Continue reading for ideas, examples, and details on group categories.

Unleash Your Passion: Showcase your school’s creativity, passion, and altruism in your chosen activity! Remember to take plenty of photos, tag us on social media @aibireland, and have fun! Projects completed between March 2024 and February 2025 are eligible.

Prepare Your Submission: Tell us about your school’s activity, how it aligns with the three pillars of a sustainable community, and the skills students and community members used and developed along the way. Check out top tips from our esteemed judges below!

Submit Your Entry: Submit your project by February 14, 2025, for a chance to be considered for the AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards 2025. Use the submission form in your participation pack or submit online using this link.

Submissions will be judged by our expert panel. Representatives from shortlisted schools will be invited to a Gala Awards Event in April 2025.
CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSIONS:
14th February 2025
SUBMIT HERE

What is eligible?

The Awards are shaped around three pillars of sustainable communities:

Any act which contributes to communities in these ways will be considered – think volunteering, fundraising, awareness campaigns, charity drives, activism, mentoring, peer education, skills sharing, and cultural events.

Looking for inspiration?

  • Biodiversity – surveys, pondlife, wildflower planting, insect hotels
  • Conservation – reducing food waste, saving water, composting
  • Reforestation – planting natural trees
  • Innovation – saving energy, climate change initiatives

Looking for inspiration?

  • Cultural diversity – events, mixers
  • Education – mentoring, training, skills sharing
  • Social inclusion – events, campaigns
  • Positive mental health & wellbeing

Looking for inspiration?

  • Financial education – toolkits, workshops, presentations with primary school children, other year groups, parents
  • Fundraising – local and wider campaigns and causes
  • Enterprise – social enterprises contributing to the community
  • Volunteer – as club treasurer, social financial officer, fundraiser

Our Judges’ Top Tips

  • Align with a Pillar: Consider an Environmental, Social, or Financial initiative. Clearly show how your project meets the objectives of your chosen pillar and supports sustainable communities.
  • Show Impact: Describe your project’s reach and impact. Include participant numbers and extent of positive change or long-term effects.
  • Highlight Skills: Share the skills you used and gained. Mention how the AIB Future Sparks Programme and its skills-based learning resources helped.
  • Add Your ‘X Factor’: Make your entry stand out with unique, inspiring elements. Share your story with passion and creativity, motivating others to take action.

About the event

Gala Awards Event

Get ready for The Gala Awards in Croke Park, Dublin, April 29th 2025! The awards will honour shortlisted schools, with principals, teachers, and exceptional students in attendance.
AIB local branch representatives will also be there to show their support. It’s a grand celebration of innovation, community impact, and a bright future. Let’s toast to building sustainable communities together!

FAQs

The competition is open to all ROI post-primary schools with students aged 12-19. All entries must be submitted by a teacher within the school. Schools may enter Individual students, a Small Group (2-34 students), or a Large Group (35+ students).

To register your school, contact the team at futuresparks@realnation.ie or on 01 522 4880 for assistance. Schools must be registered by a teacher or principal. After registering, schools will receive a participation pack containing more information and student resources to support your school along the way to submitting.

If you already have something in mind, submit here!

Anything that contributes to the community is eligible; the more strongly aligned to one of the three pillars (Environmental, Social, and Financial) the better. This could be an environmental initiative, a social programme, or a financial literacy campaign – among others. For more information and examples register to receive a participation pack with supporting materials.

Schools can enter one submission within each of the three categories or ‘pillars’. The three pillars of a sustainable community are: Environmental, Social, and Financial.

The prize breakdown includes €10,000 for the overall winning school, €2,000 for Mixed Level/Large Groups (35+ students) for all levels, €1,250 for Small Groups (2-34 students) at Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle, €500 for Individuals (1 student – any pillar) at Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle, plus various additional recognition prizes.

The deadline for submissions is 14th February 2025, but you can submit any time. Submit here.

The submissions will be judged by a panel of experts and professionals in relevant fields, including representatives from AIB, charity and educational organisations. The full panel will be announced later in the year.

AIB is organising the The AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards to celebrate the skills nurtured through the AIB Future Sparks Programme and to empower schools and students to build sustainable communities through positive change. AIB aims to inspire the next generation of changemakers and foster a culture of innovation, responsible citizenship, and contribute towards a sustainable future.

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Any further questions?

Contact Us

Submission Form

School Impact Awards 2024/25

    This form should be used to submit a school entry for the AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards. The AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards is only available to students currently enrolled in second-level education in the Republic of Ireland, between the ages of 12 and 19. The closing date for submissions is 14th February 2025.

    Pillar*

    What you did may apply under more than one of these headings. However, for the purpose of adjudication, only one can be selected.

    Group size (please select only one):*

    Age group:*

    If entering a small group or individual, please include the name of the student(s) involved (Optional)

    Question 1. Title of Project*

    Top Tips!

    Title of Project

    Question 2. Give a brief description of your project (pillar, what your project was about, who it helped, who worked on your project, outcome etc)*

    Top Tips!

    Give a brief description of your project

    Question 3. Tell us about the act of social responsibility that the group participated in this year.*

    Top Tips!

    Describe the what, who, when and where. Tell us why it was important/ why you chose it. How does this activity relate to the pillar you selected above? i.e. Environmental; Financial; Social

    Please note this must have taken place between March 2024 and February 2025.

    Question 4. How did your actions impact you or the community?*

    Top Tips!

    What changed or improved? How many people were impacted? Did someone learn something? Is it still happening or planned to happen again next year?

    Question 5. What did you or others in the community learn from this experience?*

    Top Tips!

    Self-reflect on skills you might have learned along the way. Did you pass on any of these skills or knowledge to other people? Did you overcome challenges and what did you learn from that? Did the skills you learned through AIB Future Sparks help you along this journey?

    Question 6. Is there anything else you would like to tell us? (Optional)

    *Required fields

    Attach Files

    Accepted file types: png, jpg, mp4, mov, word, pdf

    Information: Your file attachments must remain under 10mb.

    Data Protection - Use of Information Notice
    Any information provided by you in this submission form is required for the purpose of administering the AIB Future Sparks School Awards and AIB Future Sparks Programme, and will be retained and used solely for this purpose. If you choose not to provide this information, your application to participate in the AIB Future Sparks School Awards cannot proceed. We share your information with Real Event Management Ltd T/A Real Nation to manage the AIB Future Sparks Programme. Your information will be stored for a period of one year after the AIB Future Sparks Programme has completed. For further information on data protection at AIB (including your rights) visit our website at www.aib.ie/ dataprotection.

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