LIBERTY IT has received global and national recognition for its immersive tech education programme, STEAM Studio, picking up the Community Impact Award at the 2026 ERG Impact Awards in New Jersey and Best CSR Initiative at the Invest in Ireland Awards in Dublin.
The program was selected following a rigorous judging process and recognised for its exceptional contribution to community engagement and inclusive access to science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics education.
The first of its kind initiative, aims to inspire the next generation of tech talent through hands-on coding experiences in a unique environment. STEAM Studio sees students take inspiration from museum collections before learning to design and code their own interactive game using MakeCode Arcade, supported by Liberty IT’s employee ambassadors. The experience is curriculum aligned and launched in 2024 in partnership with the Ulster Museum before expanding in partnership with Galway City Museum.
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Over 2,000 pupils have taken part in STEAM Studio since launch. The free programme, available to schools in Northern Ireland and the West of Ireland, and includes free transport funded by Liberty IT.
The initiative has a strong focus on accessibility and inclusion, engaging schools, educators and young people across both regions and helping to ensure as many schools as possible have the opportunity to take part in this unique workshop.
The ERG Impact Awards celebrate the impact of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and inclusive workplace initiatives. Organised by Seramount, a leading authority in workplace and diversity, the awards attract hundreds of entries from organisations worldwide and are judged by a panel of external DEI experts.
Whilst the Invest in Ireland Awards recognise outstanding achievements by companies operating in Ireland, with the Best CSR Initiative category highlighting organisations that deliver meaningful social impact through innovative and sustainable programmes.
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Liberty IT’s Laura Mackin, Director of Communications & Marketing and programme lead of STEAM Studio said: “We are thrilled that STEAM Studio has received global and national recognition at the ERG Impact Awards and the Invest in Ireland Awards for the impact it is making in schools and communities across the island of Ireland, particularly in widening access to STEM education for young people.
What sets STEAM Studio apart is the way it uses art collections as a source of inspiration, paired with tech, to make the experience engaging, accessible, and of course a lot of fun! With the support of our employee ambassadors, we’re helping to build confidence and spark curiosity in careers in tech.”
“These awards reflect the passion and dedication of our people and partners and the meaningful, long-term impact we can have in helping to inspire the next generation to consider careers in tech,” Laura concluded.
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