THE DIT has not forgotten its roots. Founded more than 100 years ago in Dublin's inner city, when a technical school was built on the site of what is now DIT Kevin Street, the DIT's links with the local community have now evolved into a programme of scholarships, educational assistance and resource provision - known, appropriately enough, as LINKS.

Last week, the DIT marked the presentation of 11 scholarships worth £1,500 each per annum to students from innercity schools who have attained a place at the institute. In addition, 50 computers were presented by the DIT to inner city schools and community groups.

The rate of participation in third level education is less than 5 per cent in Dublin's inner city. Bull Alley School, with which the DIT is involved in a special project, has had only two pupils go on to third level in 20 years.

The DIT has introduced a programme of visits to the institute by pupils from Bull Alley to remove some of the misconceptions surrounding third level education. Other initiatives aim to build students' confidence and increase their awareness of the benefits of both second level and higher education. Discussions are also held with parents.

In a similar vein, staff and students are directly involved in programmes in five other local schools, two primary (Whitefriar Street, Francis Street) and three secondary (Kings Inn's, Warrenmount and Bull Alley). In the case of the secondary schools, fifth and sixth year students are paired with a third level "mentor" who provides tuition on a one to one basis in the environs of the DIT.