My Young Empowered Self (YES) Programme for Transition Year Students

Castlebar Chamber, ATU Mayo, and First Choice Credit Union Launch Innovative "My Young Empowered Self (YES)" Programme for Transition Year Students

Castlebar Chamber, in collaboration with Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Mayo and First Choice Credit Union, is proud to announce the launch of an empowering new initiative for local Transition Year students in Davitt College, St Joseph’s and St Gerald’s: the My Young Empowered Self (YES) Programme.

Designed and delivered over a seven-month period with ATU Mayo, the YES Programme aims to equip selected TY students from local schools with essential leadership, personal development, and business skills. Throughout the course, participants will engage in hands-on learning covering core modules including:

• Effective Communication
• Leading and Motivating Teams
• Strategic Decision-Making
• Conflict Management & Resolution
• Practical Project Management
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

The students will also undertake a Myers Briggs assessment. This is a personality assessment used to help people understand their preferences, communication styles, decision-making approaches, and how they work with others.

A central pillar of the programme is community engagement. Over the seven months, students will collaborate directly with local voluntary organisations, applying their skills to real-world projects that benefit the wider Castlebar community.

Speaking at the launch, Maria Staunton, President of Castlebar Chamber, said:

"We are delighted to see this initiative come to fruition. Engaging directly with our three local secondary schools (St. Geralds, Davitt College and St. Josephs) highlighted a fantastic opportunity to involve our young people in the future planning and vitality of Castlebar's voluntary sector."

"Young people have so much to offer—great ideas, time availability, boundless energy, and a real passion to get involved. Castlebar’s future belongs to them, and this programme ensures their voices and contributions shape our town going forward. We really look forward to seeing how the pilot cohort progresses."

"We extend our sincere thanks to First Choice Credit Union for their generous sponsorship and belief in our youth, as well as ATU Mayo for their invaluable expertise in designing and running this high-impact curriculum."

Anne King (CEO Of First Choice Credit Union) states:

Mihael Gill (ATU)

The YES Programme coordinator is Castlebar Chamber, with main sponsorship provided by First Choice Credit Union Castlebar, and academic partnership by ATU Mayo.