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More than 70,000 students in Northern Ireland have taken part in Microsoft's Dream Space education programme since it launched in the region in 2019.
Microsoft is also inviting primary and post-primary schools to sign up for free Dream Space sessions at its hub in W5 LIFE in Belfast, while applications have opened for the 2026/27 Dream Space Ambassador Programme.
Dream Space focuses on STEM, digital and AI learning for pupils and teachers through practical sessions. The programme is free to schools, aiming to widen access regardless of budgets or resources.
Alongside the student workshops, the Ambassador Programme is designed for young people who want to promote STEM and AI in their schools and communities. The scheme is open to Primary 6 and 7 pupils, Key Stage 4 students in second-level education and EOTAS learners.
In Northern Ireland, 1,467 students have already taken part in the Ambassador Programme. Microsoft said those participants have helped extend the programme's reach to more than 20,000 additional learners, including fellow students, teachers and other adults.
The Belfast hub at W5 LIFE opened in 2022 and has hosted schools from across the region. Students use the centre to explore subjects including AI, coding, computer science and robotics through practical challenges, according to Microsoft.
Investment
Microsoft said it has committed £1 million to Dream Space in Northern Ireland as part of a wider push to reach students and teachers across the island of Ireland. It also pointed to a further £3.4 million investment announced last year for the programme across the island to expand AI-related learning.
Across the island of Ireland, Dream Space has reached more than 550,000 primary and post-primary students since 2018, Microsoft said. The Northern Ireland total represents a sizeable share of that broader programme and underlines the role of the Belfast centre in the company's schools outreach.
Teacher support is another part of the initiative. Microsoft said it works with the Education Authority and academic institutions to provide professional learning for teachers in Northern Ireland, including through its Academic Innovators Academy and other training sessions aimed at helping educators bring digital tools and AI into classroom teaching.
Catherine Doyle, General Manager, Microsoft Ireland, linked the programme to wider economic ambitions for the region.
"Northern Ireland has a tremendous opportunity to establish itself as a global leader in the AI era, but realising that potential starts with investing in the next generation of talent. Reaching more than 70,000 students through Microsoft Dream Space is a significant milestone and reflects the enthusiasm we continue to see from schools, teachers and students right across the region.
"Through our collaboration with W5 LIFE and with the support of engaging educators, industry and government, we are helping young people develop the STEM, digital and AI skills that are essential for the digital economy. As schools return for the new academic year, we look forward to welcoming the next generation of Dream Space learners and ambassadors, empowering them with the skills, confidence and curiosity to shape Northern Ireland's future as an AI innovation hub," Doyle said.
Schools' view
Schools that have used the programme described it as a source of classroom support as well as student engagement.
"Dream Space has been a fantastic resource for our students and staff. The programme gives young people the opportunity to explore STEM and AI in a practical and engaging way, while also providing teachers in our school with really valuable professional development and classroom resources.
"Since going along to the Dream Space hub in Belfast, our students have grown in confidence, creativity and problem-solving ability and we would encourage other schools to get involved," said Christine Rodgers, teacher, Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School.
A student who took part in the programme highlighted the practical nature of the sessions.
"The Dream Space team taught us basic coding skills, internet safety, and the value of teamwork, communication, friendship. Doing the training with Dream Space was brilliant and just so much fun and I just loved every second of it," Seth said.
W5 LIFE, beside W5 at Odyssey Place in Belfast, was set up to address digital skills needs in Northern Ireland's economy. Dream Space is one of a number of programmes delivered through the centre, which also works with partners including Almac and Belfast Harbour.
For Microsoft, the latest participation figure is a measure of how far a school-based AI and STEM programme can spread through a regional hub model. For schools in Northern Ireland, it shows that a programme first launched in 2019 now reaches tens of thousands of pupils through workshops, teacher training and student-led ambassador activity.