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Lord Mayor honours UCC’s Youth and Community work education
- The Lord Mayor’s Reception recognised the contribution and value of Youth and Community Work education in UCC to the people of Cork and to the Cork community.
- Over 5,000 UCC Youth and Community Work graduates have gone on to lead, support, and advocate within youth, community, and voluntary organisations, as well as in public service across Cork and Ireland.
- The event will highlight UCC’s ongoing commitment to working in partnership with national and local community organisations to strengthen the community and voluntary sector.
The Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dan Boyle, hosted a Lord Mayor’s Reception on Tuesday, 8 April in Cork City Hall to mark the contribution of Youth and Community Work education at University College Cork (UCC) to the people and communities of Cork.
As part of Cork’s Lifelong Learning Festival, the reception celebrated two major milestones in UCC’s commitment to equality and social justice - the 30th anniversary of the Bachelor of Social Science - Youth and Community Work degree and the 35th anniversary of the Diploma in Youth and Community Work.
Over the last three decades, these flagship programmes have trained and empowered over 5,000 graduates, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and values to drive social change and strengthen community engagement.
Graduates of these programmes now hold key roles in leading youth, community, and voluntary organisations as well as in public service and elected office, shaping policy and practice in communities across Ireland.
The event brought together representatives from frontline organisations who continue to collaborate with UCC in supporting the professional development of students and graduates, including Foróige, CDYS, YMCA Ireland, Cork ETB, Cork City Council, Concern, Focus Ireland, St. Vincent de Paul, and the Cork Traveller Visibility Group.
Lord Mayor Councillor Dan Boyle said: "For over three decades, UCC’s Youth and Community Work programmes have not only educated students but have strengthened the fabric of Cork’s community and voluntary sector. This reception is a recognition of the people behind these programmes and the graduates who have dedicated their lives to building stronger, fairer, and more resilient communities.”
UCC President Professor John O’Halloran said: “At University College Cork, we are deeply proud of the real and lasting impact our Youth and Community Work graduates make in society. The true measure of the success of these programmes lies not only in the achievements of our graduates but also in the lives they touch and the communities they strengthen. Whether working with young people, families, or marginalised groups, our graduates are at the heart of meaningful change - supporting, empowering and advocating for others every day.”
“Our alumni are leading organisations, influencing policy, and driving real change at grassroots and national levels. This anniversary celebrates the thousands of people and communities who have benefited from their dedication and leadership,” said Cindy O’Shea, Programme Director of the BSocSc Youth and Community Work at UCC.
“As the needs of the community and voluntary sector continue to evolve, these programmes remain vital in preparing future leaders and practitioners. This anniversary not only honours their legacy but also reaffirms their role in shaping the future of civic engagement and advancing the professionalisation of youth and community work in Ireland,” Cindy O’Shea said.
Youth and Community Work programmes at UCC
Through a curriculum grounded in practical learning, ethical leadership, and community-focused solutions, UCC equips students with the skills and values to lead positive change across the youth, community, and voluntary sectors.
Learn more about the BSocSc Youth and Community Work and Youth and Community Work Diploma