Advertising and marketing communications graduate Princess Ogunbanwo has been named the 2026 Breakthrough Scholar under the programme run by THINKHOUSE, Technological University Dublin’s Enterprise Academy and student accommodation provider Yugo.
Now in its sixth year, the scholarship provides a fully funded postgraduate degree at TU Dublin, paid industry experience with THINKHOUSE and free student accommodation with Yugo for the academic year.
Ogunbanwo, a graduate of TU Dublin’s BA (Hons) Advertising and Marketing Communications programme, will undertake an MSc in Digital & Content Marketing while gaining practical experience at the agency.
Launched in 2021, the scholarship supports students who have faced barriers to accessing postgraduate education and careers in the creative industries. These can include economic disadvantage, social or geographic circumstances, disability or neurodivergence.
The partners said the programme has invested more than €125,000 to date, with all five previous scholars now working in the industry.
“I really wanted to further my education with a master’s, and without this opportunity I’m not sure that would have been possible,” Ogunbanwo said.
“I’m so excited to continue my education at TU Dublin, and to get work experience in an agency like THINKHOUSE is amazing. It’s the kind of agency I want to develop my career at.
“Getting accommodation at Yugo will make my day-to-day so much easier, being close to college, not to mention enhancing my student experience. This is an opportunity I would never have otherwise and I’m so grateful.”
The announcement comes against a backdrop of employment growth in Ireland’s agency sector, alongside continuing challenges around socioeconomic diversity.
According to the Creative & Communications Association’s 2025 census, more than 3,000 people work across its member agencies, representing annual growth of 11% and an increase of 35% since 2021. The census also found that 59% of Irish agencies export their services internationally.
However, the association’s 2024 census found that 68% of agency employees came from affluent backgrounds, compared with 10% from underprivileged communities.
Donna Parsons, PR director at THINKHOUSE, said the scholarship was established to support talent that lacked access to opportunity.
“Six years on, all five of our previous scholars are now working in the marketing industry, building careers in THINKHOUSE and beyond, bringing new perspectives into the creative world,” she said.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Princess as our sixth Breakthrough Scholar. We’re excited to see where this next chapter takes her. Giving talented people access to education, experience and opportunity is how we build a creative industry that better reflects the people and communities it serves.”
Alex Gibson, head of digital marketing at TU Dublin, said the programme combines education with practical experience and support.
“As a TU Dublin graduate of our BA (Hons) Advertising and Marketing Communications programme, Princess is a brilliant example of how education can provide the foundation for a career in the creative industries,” he said.
“The Breakthrough Scholarship takes that a step further, combining postgraduate education with meaningful industry experience and support that enables talented people to fulfil their ambitions. We’re incredibly proud to play a part in Princess’s next chapter and look forward to seeing her thrive.”
Ronen Journo, CEO Europe at Yugo, said accommodation and a sense of belonging were important parts of the student experience.
“We’re proud to provide Princess with a home within the Yugo community alongside the education and industry experience provided through the scholarship,” he said.
“Through our Live Your Best Life programme, we look forward to helping her connect with the Yugo community and make the most of an exciting and transformative year.”
