National College of Ireland receives $500k from Citi Foundation

The National College of Ireland is proud to join a cohort of 50 community organisations around the world, receiving $500,000 USD to accelerate youth employability through the Citi Foundation’s 2025 Global Innovation Challenge

National College of Ireland’s mission ‘to change lives through education’ just received a significant boost from the Citi Foundation’s 2025 Global Innovation Challenge.

Professor Gina Quin, President of NCI, said: “Citi is an outstanding corporate neighbour, committed to creating real opportunities for the next generation of technologists. This funding will greatly assist NCI in bridging the gap between the underserved youth in Dublin’s North-East Inner City and the career opportunities in the international Financial Services Centre (IFSC).”

AI and Fintech Futures Programme

Dublin’s North-East Inner City has long been affected by intergenerational unemployment, educational disadvantage, and limited access to high-growth industries. As artificial intelligence and automation reshape the economy, there is a real risk that communities already facing socio-economic challenges could be left further behind, deepening the digital and opportunity divide.

Funded by the Citi Foundation, NCI can directly address that risk, turning AI from a threat into an opportunity, by providing accessible pathways into technology, finance, and enterprise. The AI and Fintech Futures Programme will ensure that young people from underrepresented backgrounds can participate in, and benefit from, Ireland’s digital transformation. Through mentorship, industry experience, and wraparound supports, the programme empowers local youth to become active contributors to the AI and fintech economy, breaking cycles of disadvantage and driving inclusive growth within Dublin’s Inner City.

“We are deeply grateful to the Citi Foundation and our neighbours at Citi in Dublin especially Davinia Conlan, Citi Country Officer Ireland, for their generous support and partnership on the AI and Fintech Futures Programme. This funding will greatly assist us in delivering on NCI’s mission ‘to change lives through education’ — empowering students in Dublin’s North-East Inner City to develop real skills, build a useful network and gain the confidence and creativity needed to thrive in a rapidly changing, technology-driven world,” commented Professor Gina Quin, President of National College of Ireland.

AI and Fintech Futures Programme aims and opportunities

NCI’s AI and Fintech Futures Programme, funded by the Citi Foundation, aims to:

• Build foundational knowledge in Artificial Intelligence and Fintech tailored for the digital economy.
• Provide career opportunities through industry-recognised certifications and mentorship.
• Foster personal growth, resilience, and digital skills to prepare participants for apprenticeships, further and higher education and careers.
• Raise educational capital and ambition resulting in sustainable careers.
• Help close the socio-economic gap that technological advancements such as AI can often exacerbate.
• Act as a launchpad bringing under-represented young people into Ireland’s digital economy.

Graduates of NCI’s AI and Fintech Futures Programme can advance toward:

• Meaningful tech or fintech employment.
• Progressive apprenticeships.
• Further/higher education.

All supported by sustained mentoring, academic scaffolding, and community engagement.

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