Iona University and Westport Estate in County Mayo, Ireland, have announced a scholarship program providing full-tuition support for students from Rice College and Sacred Heart School in Westport. This initiative aims to offer educational opportunities for young people in Westport and strengthen ties between the West of Ireland and the United States.

The scholarships will cover tuition fees and on-campus accommodation at Iona University, located just north of New York City. Students from Westport will be able to study abroad while maintaining connections to their community.

"Inspiring learning is a core part of our ambitions for Westport Estate," said Barry O’Connor, CEO of Westport Estate. "We hope this initiative will encourage local students to explore new opportunities and bring back the valuable experiences and insights they gain."

Cathal J Hughes, Director of Westport Estate, stated that the partnership with Iona University represents an ongoing commitment to investing in the future of Westport’s youth by offering experiences that broaden perspectives while staying connected to community heritage.

For Iona University, this partnership extends its commitment to personalized education. "We’re delighted to partner with Westport Estate to offer students from the West of Ireland the opportunity to study at Iona," said Kevin O’Sullivan, Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs at Iona University.

Michael Rabbett, Principal of Rice College, expressed enthusiasm about the program: "This scholarship program offers our students a unique opportunity to expand their horizons while maintaining a strong connection to their Westport roots."

Kevin Malone, Acting Principal of Sacred Heart School, added: "A full-tuition scholarship provides an incredible opportunity for our student, and we are grateful to Westport Estate and Iona University for making it a reality."

Iona University's history is deeply rooted in Irish legacy. The institution was founded by St. Columba, Blessed Edmund Rice, and the Christian Brothers in 1940. Recently, Iona launched a global campus at Westport Estate in May 2024.

“Iona’s new home abroad helps students foster a deeper connection – both spiritually and historically – to the legacy of our founders and our institution,” said Seamus Carey, Ph.D., President of Iona University.