Teen-Turn Super Session at University of Limerick: Skilling the Next Generation of Female STEM Leaders

Teen-Turn, a charity dedicated to empowering young women from underserved and underrepresented communities to pursue STEM careers, delivered its spring “Teen-Turn Super Session” at the University of Limerick on Saturday, April 5th. The event brought together over 60 girls from Connacht and Munster for a day of hands-on learning, mentorship, and exploration of university life.

Teen-Turn Super Sessions are a key part of Teen-Turn’s mission to provide the training and support necessary for girls to make informed decisions about their educational and career paths, particularly in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). With the guidance of industry professionals, university staff, and Teen-Turn alumni, participants engage in intensive, collaborative sessions, upskilling and working on their current after-school program projects and gaining invaluable insights into the world of STEM.

This Super Session focused on guiding girls working in teams to code mobile apps that address real-world challenges. The girls also developed accompanying business plans, marketing strategies and pitches, which will be showcased at a Technovation Regional Pitch Event in May. Technovation activities aim to equip girls aged 10-18 with the skills to become tech entrepreneurs and leaders.

“We were thrilled University of Limerick was able to host this Super Session event and to introduce the girls to the campus, explore the opportunities within the Computer Science and Immersive Software Engineering departments and meet the incredible staff and students there,” said Iseut Mangan, Regional Manager for Teen-Turn. “For some of these girls, this was their first time visiting a university campus and it was an exciting moment that could shape their future educational and career choices. By familiarising themselves with the campus, they can better visualise themselves as university students. The support they receive from mentors is essential in helping them believe in themselves now so as to achieve a STEM career in the future.”

The Teen-Turn Super Session featured mentors specifically from the Immersive Software Engineering department at UL, who guided the girls through coding exercises, app development, and business plan creation. Additionally, some of Teen-Turn’s alumnae, who participated in many Super Sessions during their  journey with Teen-Turn and are now first-year students in Immersive Software Engineering at UL and Biomedical Engineering in MTU, joined the event as a peer mentors, sharing their experiences and offering advice to the girls.

Teen-Turn’s programmes, including after-school activities, Saturday PLUS clubs, and work placements, provide girls with the skills, confidence and resources to navigate the STEM education system and make informed decisions about Leaving Certificate subject choices and third-level course options. Teen-Turn remains with the girls throughout their journey, from Junior Cert to job, offering continued support through college years and into the workforce. By connecting participants with female role models in the industry, Teen-Turn ensures that girls from all backgrounds have access to the tools and inspiration they need to succeed.

“We believe that no girl should be limited by her background, home circumstances or geography when it comes to choosing a career in STEM,” said Iseult Mangan. “The programmes we offer start at second level and continue with the girls through college and into the workforce. We help break down barriers and create a supportive community where girls can thrive, explore their potential, and set their sights on a future in technology and innovation.”

This Super Session event underscored Teen-Turn’s ongoing commitment to skilling and supporting the next generation of female leaders in STEM.