Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) has announced the launch of its inaugural President’s Volunteering Awards (PVA) for 2026, a new initiative designed to recognise and celebrate the contributions of student volunteers across the university and the wider Irish community. The awards coincide with the United Nations’ International Volunteer Year (IVY) 2026, underscoring the global importance of volunteerism and providing a timely platform for students to showcase their commitment to social impact.
Why the President’s Volunteering Awards Matter
The PVA represents more than just a ceremonial accolade; it reflects TU Dublin’s strategic emphasis on civic engagement, experiential learning, and community partnership. By formally acknowledging volunteer work, the university aims to:
- Encourage sustained student involvement in local and national causes.
- Highlight the transferable skills gained through volunteering, such as leadership, project management, and cross‑cultural communication.
- Strengthen ties between TU Dublin and community organisations, charities, and public sector bodies.
- Align institutional activities with national and international volunteering frameworks, including the UN’s IVY 2026.
Dr Deirdre Lillis, President of TU Dublin, noted that the awards will be personally endorsed by her office, signalling the university’s top‑level commitment to fostering a culture of service.
Who Can Apply and What Are the Requirements?
All currently enrolled TU Dublin students—undergraduate, postgraduate, and part‑time learners—are eligible to have their volunteering hours counted toward the President’s Volunteering Awards. To qualify for the base recognition, students must:
- Log a minimum of 20 hours of volunteering completed between 1 May 2025 and 30 April 2026.
- Record those hours on the official volunteering portal www.studentvolunteer.ie.
- Submit their logged hours by the deadline of Monday, 13 April 2026 at 5:00 pm.
Students who exceed the 20‑hour threshold are encouraged to continue logging additional hours, as extra recognition may be considered for outstanding commitment.
Student Volunteering Awards: Ten Specialised Categories
Beyond the general hour‑based recognition, TU Dublin is inviting students to apply for a suite of Student Volunteering Awards that celebrate specific types of volunteer activity. Each category has its own application form, and winners will be selected by a panel of academic and professional staff from across the university.
Award Categories at a Glance
- Best Charity Challenge – Recognises innovative fundraising or challenge‑based initiatives that support charitable causes.
- Most Creative Fundraiser – Honours unique and imaginative approaches to raising funds for nonprofit organisations.
- Best Education or Outreach Volunteering – Awards projects that deliver tutoring, mentoring, or educational workshops to underserved groups.
- Most Inspiring Social Justice Volunteering – Highlights work that addresses inequality, human rights, or community advocacy.
- Best Health and Wellbeing Volunteering – Focuses on initiatives promoting physical health, mental wellness, or access to healthcare services.
- Best Green (Environmental) Volunteering – Celebrates efforts in sustainability, conservation, climate action, or eco‑friendly community projects.
- Best New Volunteering Project – Awards entirely new volunteer programmes launched by students during the eligibility period.
- “Jump In” Volunteering (for Erasmus and international students) – Recognises volunteer contributions made by international or exchange students adapting to life in Ireland.
- Best Curricular Civic Engagement – Acknowledges volunteering that is integrated into academic coursework or formal charity‑university partnerships.
- Best TU Dublin Christmas Appeal Event – Honours outstanding participation in the university’s annual Christmas appeal, which supports local charities during the festive season.
In addition, a Best Volunteering Photo award will be presented, with winners receiving a certificate and a voucher prize.
How to Apply for the Specialised Awards
Each award category has a dedicated online application form hosted on Microsoft Forms. Students should:
- Visit the relevant form link (provided in the official announcement) for the category that best matches their volunteer experience.
- Complete the form, detailing the project’s objectives, activities, outcomes, and personal learning.
- Attach any supporting evidence, such as photographs, testimonials from partner organisations, or media coverage.
- Submit the application before the deadline of Thursday, 16 April 2026 at 5:00 pm.
For any queries regarding the application process, eligibility, or the awards ceremony, students can contact Claire Flannery at [email protected].
Key Dates to Remember
| Activity | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Log volunteering hours (minimum 20 hrs) | 13 April 2026, 5:00 pm |
| Submit Student Volunteering Awards applications | 16 April 2026, 5:00 pm |
| Awards ceremony (Aungier Street Courtyard) | 22 April 2026 (exact time TBC) |
Making the Most of the Volunteering Experience
Participating in the President’s Volunteering Awards offers benefits that extend far beyond recognition. Students are encouraged to:
- Reflect on skill development: Keep a personal log of competencies gained—such as teamwork, problem‑solving, and communication—to strengthen CVs and interview narratives.
- Network with community partners: Use volunteering placements as opportunities to build professional relationships that may lead to internships, graduate roles, or collaborative research.
- Leverage university resources: TU Dublin’s Careers Service, the Access & Outreach office, and the TU Dublin Foundation often host workshops on volunteering, fundraising, and project management.
- Share your story: Consider writing a blog post, creating a short video, or presenting at a student society meeting to inspire peers and raise awareness of the causes you support.
Get Involved Today
If you are a TU Dublin student eager to have your volunteer efforts recognised, now is the time to start logging your hours and preparing your award applications. The process is straightforward, and the rewards—both personal and professional—are substantial.
Take the next step:
- Log your volunteering hours on studentvolunteer.ie – ensure every hour counts toward the 20‑hour threshold.
- Reach out to Claire Flannery for any questions about eligibility, award categories, or the ceremony details.
- Explore related articles on student volunteering and civic engagement at TU Dublin – stay informed about upcoming workshops, volunteer fairs, and community partnership opportunities.
Conclusion
The launch of the President’s Volunteering Awards marks a significant milestone in TU Dublin’s commitment to fostering active citizenship and community‑engaged learning. By aligning the initiative with the United Nations’ International Volunteer Year 2026, the university not only highlights the local impact of student volunteers but also connects their efforts to a global movement for positive change. Whether you have already accumulated volunteering hours or are just beginning to explore service opportunities, the PVA provides a clear pathway to have your contributions recognised, celebrated, and leveraged for future growth.
Remember, every hour logged is a step toward personal development, community betterment, and a stronger, more inclusive society. Start logging, apply for the awards, and let your volunteer story be part of TU Dublin’s evolving legacy of service.
