Rural schools and youth clubs in Meath are being encouraged to sign up for Dream Space Showcase 2026/27, a free national STEM programme focused on science, technology, engineering and maths.
The year-long initiative gives children and young people the opportunity to work on practical projects, develop digital skills and take part in showcase events during the school year.
This is the fourth year Meath County Council has encouraged and supported local schools to get involved.
Previous participation from Meath has included schools and coding clubs from across the county, with pupils developing projects around sustainability, technology and community challenges.
No previous coding experience needed
The programme has been designed particularly with rural schools and clubs in mind.
Participants will have access to on-demand learning resources, live coding workshops, project support and opportunities to present their work throughout the year.
No previous coding or STEM experience is required and schools do not need specialist equipment to take part.
Microsoft’s Dream Space programme is designed to make technology learning accessible to a wide range of schools, including those with limited previous experience in digital skills.
For primary schools, the programme is intended to support classroom learning in STEM while giving pupils the chance to work collaboratively on practical challenges.
Youth clubs can also take part, with the programme providing a structured project that encourages teamwork, creativity and problem-solving.
Online information sessions
Two online information sessions are planned for schools and clubs considering joining the 2026/27 programme.
They will take place on:
Tuesday, 29th September: 3.30pm to 4.15pm
Thursday, 1st October: 7pm to 7.45pm
Participants will then work on projects throughout the academic year, with opportunities to take part in local and regional showcase events.
An optional national finale hosted by Microsoft Ireland is planned from 31st May to 4th June 2027.
Meath schools have already found success
Meath schools and youth coding groups have enjoyed success in previous Dream Space Showcase programmes.
In 2024, St Patrick’s Ughtyneill won awards for a project examining more environmentally sustainable slurry spreading, while St Patrick’s Slane was recognised for a sensory classroom project.
Bective Future Coders received a Global Goal Award for work on hydroponic farming, while Drumree Coders were recognised for innovation.
The national showcase has previously brought hundreds of students from rural schools and clubs to Microsoft Ireland’s campus to demonstrate STEM projects developed over several months.
Schools and clubs interested in taking part in Dream Space Showcase 2026/27 can register through the official programme link.
Places are free.
