An Gaisce Meets The B!G Idea

This year, we’re incredibly proud to announce that The B!G Idea is officially an An Gaisce Challenge Partner. What does that mean? It means students participating in The B!G Idea can count their hours toward both the Bronze and Silver Gaisce Awards. As a Challenge Partner, we offer students the opportunity to complete activities in one or more Challenge Areas, and we’ll be there to supervise, guide, and sign off on their hard work and progress.

As anyone who’s been involved in TY knows, An Gaisce is a big deal, and this year, we’re thrilled to be a major part of it! An Gaisce – The President’s Award is an exciting and empowering programme for young people aged 14-25. It’s a personal challenge from the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, encouraging young people to dream big, push their limits, and discover their true potential.

The goal of An Gaisce is to provide a fun and rewarding experience that helps young people explore their passions, develop valuable skills, and make a real impact on their lives and the world around them. Through a range of Challenge Areas—like learning a new Personal Skill, staying fit with Physical Recreation, giving back through Community Involvement, and embarking on an epic Adventure Journey—students can earn their Gaisce Award while having lots of fun. 

These partnerships enrich the An Gaisce programme, expanding the range of activities available and making the journey even more exciting and diverse for everyone involved. It’s a win-win!

At The B!G Idea, we’re all about helping students develop the creative mindset needed to tackle the biggest challenges in society. We work hand-in-hand with schools to inspire students to create, experiment, invent, and even make mistakes—all while having fun! Our programme builds confidence and connects students with their communities, while bridging the gap between education and Industry. Our expert mentors provide real-world advice, sharing their knowledge to help students connect their learning with real-life impact.

With An Gaisce and The B!G Idea working together, this year promises to be an incredible opportunity for students to grow, learn, and achieve something truly special!

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