Joanne Dolan
Co-Founder, Teen-Turn
Irish charity supports teenage girls in pursuing technology careers, helping them navigate the compounded effects of COVID-19, the mental health crisis and intergenerational inequality.
COVID-19 disruptions to education and social interaction led to lost learning time, worsened by limited digital access and shifting social norms, causing increased anxiety, isolation and mental health issues. Joanne Dolan, Teen-Turn Cofounder, discusses this impact: “Social connection is linked to adolescent wellbeing. It will take time until we are beyond the impact of what two years of secondary school loss was for young people.”
Rising pressure to secure third-level education
Irish teens face pressure from the high-stakes state exams, worsened by the mental health crisis, job market uncertainty and rising higher education costs. “CSO (Central Statistics Office) reports show 14% of the Irish population held third-level qualifications in 1991, a figure which increased to 48% in 2022,” says Dolan. “There is a lot of pressure to achieve third-level education, with so much riding on the state examination process.”
We are seeing many young
people unable to have the
full college experience.
Intergenerational inequality
COVID-19’s impact on young people highlights intergenerational inequality, with disparities in opportunity, resources and wellbeing worsened by the housing crisis and gig economy. Of 16,000 gradireland 100 student survey responses, half are concerned that they may not secure a job.
“There is a nexus of uncertainty: the housing crisis, job cuts and pressure to secure qualifications,” Dolan continues. “We are seeing many young people unable to have the full college experience.”
Providing support, skills and security
Teen-Turn improves access to STEM education for girls from disadvantaged backgrounds by offering targeted mentorship, resources and guidance. “Teen-Turn promotes third-level progression to girls in underserved communities from secondary education to higher education and beyond, with a particular focus on STEM roles,” explains Dolan.
“We provide a real sense of community, socially and personally, building their network and supporting them from exams to securing post-secondary education and qualifications.” The organisation focuses on building skills in areas like computer programming and project management, preparing students for future job markets. “Not only do we secure their place, but we help them stay in it, securing their qualification,” concludes Dolan.
To find out more, visit https://teen-turn.com/
