Young Social Innovators

As Young Social Innovators celebrates 25 years of youth-led change, continues to spotlight the people behind 190,000 young changemakers.

This week, we hear from Jack Dooley, a former participant from Tullamore College whose idea for a sustainable shower head grew into an award-winning project at the SAGE World Cup.

For Jack, YSI was his first experience of leading a project. He learned how to build something with a team and how to work under pressure. Those lessons stayed with him long after secondary school. Today, after studying Commerce at University College Dublin, Jack works with EY in New York as a Tax Manager.

His story is a reminder that youth-led ideas grow with the people who build them.

For generations, too many people have carried the quiet weight of wondering whether their voice would be welcomed, whether their identity would be understood, whether there was space for them exactly as they are. Belonging is not a small thing, it sits at the heart of what it means to be human.

This Pride Month, we’re reminded that dignity, respect, acceptance, and belonging are the conditions that allow people to truly flourish.

For young people especially, belonging can change what they believe is possible. When someone feels seen, heard, and valued, they begin to imagine a future where they can speak up, show up, and make change.

The receipt says: €0.
And yet its value is priceless.

Because when people know they belong, fear gives way to possibility, silence gives way to voice, and communities become richer in every way that matters.

Happy Pride 🌈

🥈 Silver Award - The Road Not Taken

Congratulations to St. Brendan’s College, Killarney, winners of the Silver Award at this year’s YSI Awards for their inspiring project The Road Not Taken.

This incredible team is challenging the stigma around apprenticeships and showing young people across Kerry that trades are skilled, respected, and full of opportunity. Through careers fairs, social media campaigns, and their children’s book character Voltage Vince, they are opening minds and creating new pathways for future generations.

A powerful campaign promoting choice, confidence, and opportunity.

🥇 Gold Award - The Oasis Project

Congratulations to Killorglin Community College, Kerry, winners of the Gold Award at this year’s YSI Awards for their outstanding project The Oasis Project.

This inspiring team is bringing emotional wellbeing into everyday school life through a series of corridor-based wellbeing stations designed to help students reset and recharge throughout the day. By creating accessible tools for emotional regulation, they are helping to build a more supportive and compassionate school environment.

A thoughtful and innovative approach to student wellbeing.

🥉 Bronze Award - Stop the Silent Leak

Congratulations to Largy College, Monaghan, winners of the Bronze Award at this year’s YSI Awards for their impactful project Stop the Silent Leak.

Inspired by groundbreaking research from Trinity College Dublin, this team is raising awareness about nanoplastics - the invisible particles entering our food and drinks and the potential risks they pose to brain health. Through street interviews, TikTok campaigns, and practical fridge magnet reminders, they are turning complex science into everyday action.

An innovative campaign shining a light on a hidden health issue.

A huge congratulations to all of our Advocacy Award winners at the YSI Awards 2026 ✨

During the Speak Out Tour earlier this year, you stood on stages across the country and shared your projects with such confidence and passion. It was inspiring to see the creativity and care that went into every presentation, and the powerful way you spoke about the issues that matter most to you and your communities 💛

Your voices started important conversations, challenged perspectives and encouraged others to take action. The energy you brought to the Speak Out Tour left a lasting impact on everyone who had the chance to hear your stories.

Thank you for bringing your ideas and advocacy to Young Social Innovators this year, we are so proud to celebrate you 🌟

A huge congratulations to all of our Challenge Award winners at the YSI Awards 2026 ✨

You brought such energy and heart to your projects this year, and it was incredible to see the care and thought behind everything you achieved. All of your projects created real impact in your local communities, whether that meant promoting equality, supporting wellbeing, protecting the environment, improving safety or helping people feel more connected and supported 💛 You sparked important conversations, encouraged action and showed what can happen when young people are empowered to lead change in their own communities.

Thank you for everything you brought to YSI this year your creativity and commitment inspired everyone in the room. We are so proud to celebrate you 🌍