The James Kane Foundation

15/10/2026

If you haven't already, don't forget to get your EOIs in to us before 12noon tomorrow, Friday 16 October, 2026.

We can not accept any applications after this time/date.

www.jameskanefoundation.org/apply

14/10/2026

Join MEGA- Manufacturing & Engineering Growth & Advancement at the Explore Engineering Expo on 21st October at Mid Ulster Sports Arena, Cookstown and find out more about all forms of engineering and the job opportunities available.



It is open to:
✅ GCSE and A Level students from any school
✅ Parents/Carers
✅ Teachers
✅ Career Changers
✅ Anyone with an interest in Engineering

09/10/2026

It's not too late to apply!

Visit jameskanefoundation.org/apply/

07/10/2026

**Project Spotlight**

The James Kane Foundation has provided a grant to Larne High School to purchase a CNC Router, giving pupils practical experience of CAD and CAM technologies used in modern manufacturing.

The equipment will widen the scope of projects at GCSE and A Level, while helping pupils develop skills relevant to future education, training and employment.

Around 40 GCSE pupils and 24 post-16 pupils studying A Level Technology & Design and Level 3 BTEC Engineering will use the equipment. The school also plans to restart its CAD Club for KS3 pupils, aiming to engage around 15 pupils each week.

Pupils have already seen CNC technology in use during visits to local companies such as Ryobi. Having similar equipment in school will allow them to develop these skills themselves and better understand how they are used in the workplace.

The project will help broaden opportunities for young people in the Larne area and support the development of practical STEM and engineering skills.

Principal, Dr Stephen Reid, said “This state-of-the art investment will give our pupils valuable opportunities to develop modern technological and engineering skills, while also helping us raise the profile of these important subject areas across the school. In a community where many of our young people face significant economic disadvantage, this support is especially meaningful and will make a lasting difference to their learning, confidence and future aspirations.”

05/10/2026

**Project Spotlight**

The James Kane Foundation has made a significant donation to Cedar Lodge School this year to support the purchase of a Growforge Pro, a CNC Laser, giving pupils greater access to practical manufacturing and STEM activities.

The new equipment will help pupils with moderate to severe learning difficulties and associated conditions, including ASD and ADHD, to turn ideas they have designed using ICT into physical products.

For many pupils, traditional hand tools can be difficult to use due to challenges such as low muscle tone and poor coordination. The CNC Laser will remove some of these barriers, allowing pupils to take part in the manufacturing process and produce high-quality outcomes from their own designs. The experience will also provide a valuable introduction to manufacturing processes similar to those used in industry.

The project will be delivered across the post-primary sector, supporting STEM learning in both the classroom and technology workshop. Around 150 pupils aged 11–19, from Year 8 through to post-16, will benefit.

Each year group will undertake a manufacturing project tailored to pupils’ abilities and learning needs, with the finished products sold by pupils at the school’s Christmas Fair.

Bryan Hunter, Head of Middle School at Cedar Lodge School said “This Funding will enhance the teaching of STEM throughout the school, by the removal of barriers pupils would otherwise face to learning manufacturing skills. It will also increase their choice of career pathway by opening-up, through positive experiences, avenues that they might have previously deemed closed to them.”

Look out for some amazing creations from the pupils over the coming weeks.

Image Credit: Stock shot from Growforge Pro

30/09/2026

**Project Spotlight**

The James Kane Foundation is supporting All About Us- ASD Teens with its Y.E.L.L project, helping autistic young people and those with additional needs across Antrim and surrounding areas to develop independence, employability skills and confidence.

The project will support around 60 young people aged 8–24, combining accredited learning with practical experience through:

• ASDAN-accredited personal development, independent living and employability programmes
• Café-based training and supported work experience
• Volunteering and external work placements
• Peer mentoring and buddy support
• Transition planning and family engagement

Y.E.L.L gives young people opportunities to explore their strengths and interests, gain practical skills and make more informed decisions about their options in education, training and employment.

“The Y.E.L.L programme supports young people to move from connection to confidence and independence creating pathways into education, training and employment. We are incredibly grateful to The James Kane Foundation for their support in making this possible and for investing in meaningful, long-term outcomes for young people and their families.” Christina O’Neill (CEO, All About Us)

Find out more about their project here: jameskanefoundation.org/y-e-l-l-all-about-us-asd-teens/

28/09/2026

**Project Spotlight**

One of our new projects this year is being delivered by AEL- Access Employment Ltd Larne.

With more than 25 years’ experience in the community and voluntary sector, this social enterprise is using its community hub to give young people practical opportunities to develop skills, gain qualifications and experience the workplace.

Supported by the The James Kane Foundation, this project will provide:

- Training in personal development, life skills and employability, including OCN qualifications at Level 1 or 2
- Live work experience across areas including retail, catering, warehousing, administration and assembly
- Work tours with external employers to explore different careers and job opportunities
- Individual mentoring and pathway planning to help participants identify their next steps

The project will support young people from across Mid and East Antrim, Antrim and Newtownabbey and North Belfast, helping them build confidence, workplace skills and experience as they move towards further education, employment or volunteering.

“This funding will enable AEL to provide opportunities for earlier intervention with young people. Introducing them to live workplaces, vocational skills and qualifications, resulting in multiple benefits, and enabling our young people to make informed choices about their progression pathway when leaving school” Lorraine Black Head of Services AEL.

Find out more - jameskanefoundation.org/ael-supporting-young-people/

24/09/2026

Just over three weeks to go before we close for applications!

Our funding can support projects which enable STEM related education and career opportunities or enable students to make informed choices between employment/career and higher-level education pathways. Deadline for submitting your EOI is Friday 16 October at 12noon. Visit:https://jameskanefoundation.org/apply/

Our funding is already making a huge impact, but don't just take our word for it. Hear from some of our previous and current funded projects.

23/09/2026

📣**CLOSING TOMORROW**📣

It's not too late to apply for The James Kane Foundation scholarship at Southern Regional College.

Closes on Thursday 24th September. See below for details.

📣 Studying Higher Education or a Higher-Level Apprenticeship at SRC?

If you live within the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area, you could be eligible to apply for the James Kane Scholarship.

Offered by Southern Regional College in collaboration with The James Kane Foundation, the scholarship will support eligible students with Higher Education costs during the 2026/27 academic year.

🔎 Check the eligibility criteria and eligible courses on our website and download your application form.

⏰ Deadline: 24 September 2026

Don’t leave it too late, find out if you’re eligible today: https://bit.ly/4zZnyu3

16/09/2026

We'll be at the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Funding Fair tonight at Theatre at the Mill.

Our funding programme is currently open for applications.

Pop along between 5pm and 8pm to find out more.