The Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) and Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) are excited to announce the recipients of a work-integrated learning (WIL) partnership initiative, with funds provided by BHER through the Government of Canada.
The initiative will create more than 1000 quality WIL opportunities in six provinces, with a focus on underrepresented students. The 13 projects were selected from 49 applications. Combined they represent more than 28 community-based, non-profit, industry, and post-secondary partners.
The successful grant recipients are:
- Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador and College of the North Atlantic (NL)
- Black Business and Professional Association and Centennial College of Applied Arts and Technology (ON).
- Groupe InnovaNor and Université de Hearst (ON).
- Quinte Home Builders Association and Loyalist College of Applied Arts and Technology (ON).
- Rideau Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre and Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology (ON).
- Ontario Pharmacists Association and Lambton College of Applied Arts and Technology (ON).
- YES! Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba (MB).
- Community Campus Engage Canada and the University of Regina (SK).
- St. Albert and District Chamber of Commerce, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, and the City of St. Albert Economic Development (AB).
- Community Futures Fraser-Fort George, College of New Caledonia, and the University of Northern British Columbia (BC).
- North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and Capilano University (BC).
- Merritt and District Chamber of Commerce and Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (BC).
- Vancouver Island University Foundation and Vancouver Island University (BC).
Importantly, the partners are developing or expanding programs aimed at providing WIL opportunities for students in rural or remote locations as well as Indigenous and racialized students. The initiative also helps to facilitate collaboration between post-secondary institutions and the business community, while contributing to the development of sustainable WIL partnerships in the years ahead.
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Quotes
“This is a compelling example of what can be achieved by working together. We have seen firsthand how dramatically COVID-19 altered the playing field for students, and exacerbated the existing challenges facing underrepresented communities. This collaborative grant initiative is an important opportunity to help vulnerable and underrepresented students gain access to Canada’s labour market and businesses find the skilled talent they need.”
Dr. Valerie Walker, BHER, CEO
“CEWIL was pleased to offer our experience in implementing quality work-integrated learning and expertise of our members in the adjudication of the grants. Students across the country have been impacted by the pandemic, affecting the labour market and WIL experiences. These grants will fund opportunities for underrepresented students and partnerships between industry and academia, which are the foundation of quality, sustainable WIL experiences.”
Cara Krezek, President of CEWIL Canada.
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