Full-tuition scholarship programme for Mayo students announced

Westport Estate and Iona University, New York, have announced a new scholarship programme offering full-tuition support for local students from Rice College and Sacred Heart School, Westport.

This collaboration is set to open doors to transformative educational opportunities for young people in Westport, fostering a connection between the west of Ireland and the United States.

The scholarships cover tuition fees and on-campus accommodation at Iona University, a top-ranked Catholic institution located near New York city.

Students from Westport will have the opportunity to study abroad, gaining exposure to a new learning environment while maintaining strong links to their roots and community.

“Inspiring learning is a core part of our ambitions for Westport Estate,” said Barry O’Connor, CEO of Westport Estate. “We hope this initiative will encourage local students to explore new opportunities and bring back the valuable experiences and insights they gain.”

Cathal J. Hughes, director of Westport Estate, added: “Our partnership with Iona University embodies our ongoing commitment to investing in the future of Westport’s young people, offering experiences that broaden their perspectives while staying deeply connected to our community’s heritage.”

The programme underscores Westport Estate’s mission to empower young people and create meaningful opportunities for education. By working with Iona University, the Estate aims to support the aspirations of local students and provide them with an environment in which they can grow academically and personally.

For Iona University, the partnership offers a chance to extend its commitment to personalised and relationship-based education.

"We’re delighted to partner with Westport Estate to offer students from the west of Ireland the opportunity to study at Iona,” said Kevin O’Sullivan, senior vice-president for enrolment and student affairs at Iona University.

“Our aim is to provide a welcoming environment where they can thrive academically and personally, while engaging with a diverse community in New York.”

Michael Rabbett, principal of Rice College, stated: “This scholarship programme offers our students a unique opportunity to expand their horizons while maintaining a strong connection to their Westport roots. With the generous support of Westport Estate, we look forward to seeing our students excel in a new academic environment and benefit from a world-class learning experience.”

Kevin Malone, acting principal of Sacred Heart School, commented: “A full-tuition scholarship provides an incredible opportunity for our students, and we are grateful to Westport Estate and Iona University for making it a reality. This programme fosters a sense of community and personal growth, encouraging students to explore and learn in ways that will prepare them for the next stage of their lives.”

Iona’s roots are steeped in the rich Irish legacy of St. Columba, Blessed Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers, who founded Iona in New York in 1940. Building upon this heritage, Iona launched a new global campus at Westport Estate in May 2024 and will return May 2025.

“Iona’s new home abroad helps students foster a deeper connection – both spiritually and historically – to the legacy of our founders and our institution,” said Iona president Seamus Carey, Ph.D.

“We are thrilled to build upon this new chapter and look forward to welcoming deserving scholarship recipients to study with us in New York.”