Kilkenny School named AWS GetIT 2024 winners

AWS GetIT is a fully funded education programme and competition designed to inspire 12-14-year-old students, especially girls, to consider a future in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). The programme gives them access to curriculum designed to help build foundational skills, learn about cloud tech, and design app ideas to solve real-life problems. Schools are paired with a dedicated AWS GetIT Ambassador who supports the school and educator and acts as a role model for students.

After completing the programme curriculum, schools can submit a student app idea for consideration in a countrywide AWS GetIT competition.

This year, three schools were brought to the AWS GetIT final, which took place at the AWS offices in Dublin. The teams in the final presented their ideas to a judging panel of people working in the tech industry.

The finalists were invited to present their App ideas on the day and answer questions surrounding their design thinking cycle, teamwork, the issue they are tackling and the technology they will use.

The AWS GetIT finalists were:

1. 1. Fit Quick by Coláiste Abhainn Rí, Callan, Co. Kilkenny – App aimed at tackling young people dropping out of sporting activity, particularly during the transition from primary to secondary school. The app is aimed at 11-19 year olds with the overall goal of encouraging maintaining interest in sport and physical activity during their teenage years.
   2. Job Box Celbridge Community School, Co Kildare – App aimed at helping young people aged 18-25 find accommodation and employment. The team acknowledged how homeless is a huge social issue and the app aims to support young people with resource information on housing, as well as assist them on their job search journeys.
   3. Puzzled by Sandford Park School, Ranelagh, Dublin – App focused on providing support resources for secondary school students with learning difficulties. The app contains resources aimed at helping students overcome challenges they are having with schoolwork and includes a fun mascot called ‘Pablo’ to guide app users on their journey.

Mark Dunleavy, General Manager, AWS Ireland and Northern Ireland, said:

“On behalf of AWS, I’d like to congratulate the contestants in this year’s AWS GetIT competition; each year, we are completely blown away by the high level of innovation and creativity shown by secondary students across Ireland. AWS GetIT empowers and inspires 12-14-year-olds to consider a future in STEM and learn other key skills such as problem-solving and teamwork.

It is also an opportunity for them to get face-to-face time with AWS ambassadors and gain real insight into what it is like to work in tech. At AWS, we hope that taking part in this competition is their first step in a journey towards an exciting and rewarding career in STEM.”

Jane Dawson Howe, Country Manager Ireland, Slalom and AWS GetIT judge, said: “I was thrilled to be involved with AWS GetIT 2024.  I was so impressed with the quality of the finalists’ projects and their determination to solve real-world problems.

I was also amazed at their confidence and how they communicated the impact of their ideas.  Congratulations to all the students (and their teachers) on developing such compelling solutions.  The future of technology for societal good is in the right hands!”

Frances Abeton, CEO and Co-Founder of Whyze Health and AWS GetIT judge, said: “I was truly captivated by the calibre of projects presented at the AWS GetIT competition. The students’ work was not just impressive, but it also showcased their exceptional talent and creativity. This experience has reinforced my belief in the significant impact of integrating technology education in schools. It was a true privilege to witness such potential and support an initiative that empowers young people to excel in the tech industry.”