Kyle Harvey, a final-year Bioanalytical Science student at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Donegal, has been presented with the Traveller Pride Youth (18-25) Award in recognition of his academic achievement, advocacy, humility, and commitment to making education and public life more inclusive.
The Traveller Pride Awards ceremony took place in Dublin on May 21st and honoured individuals and organisations making a positive impact while highlighting the strength and resilience of the Traveller community.
Kyle was nominated jointly by Donegal Local Development CLG (DLDC), Donegal Travellers Project (DTP), and ATU Donegal. The award recognises a young Travellers whose journey reflects resilience and a deep commitment to making education and public life more inclusive.
During his time at ATU, Kyle has championed wellbeing and positive mental health on campus, helped develop cross-border educational links, represented ATU at national events, and served as a student ambassador. He delivered a TEDx Talk and is a founding member of Synapse, a dedicated support space for neurodivergent students at ATU Letterkenny.
Kyle has also played a significant role in the ATU-DTP Afterschool Programme, offering guidance and encouragement to pupils from Traveller and Roma communities visiting the ATU campus, many of whom are beginning to consider their own paths into further education.
In accepting his award, Kyle paid tribute to those who shaped him, his family, his friends, and thanked the Special Initiative for Travellers programme, managed by DLDC and Donegal Travellers Project Education team.
“They’ve pushed me to overcome challenges, to be true to myself, and to find out who I am today.”
Kyle is the first in his family to progress to third-level education, something he hopes will inspire others.
“Just because somebody in your family hasn’t done it before doesn’t mean you can’t be the first. I’m personally proud to be the first in my family and sort of be a stepping stone, and I would encourage my other family members to do what they want to do, whether it be academics or athletics.”
Kyle plans to begin a Master’s degree following his graduation from ATU in September 2026.
