Embark’s major grant funds new AI-enabled learning
By: Matthew King (he/him)
New three-year pilot pairs AI literacy with real-world projects for students
The University of Waterloo received a $500,000 Major Grant from Embark to launch a three-year program called AI-Enabled Learners.
The pilot program combines artificial intelligence literacy with real-world work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences. Led by Waterloo’s Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) unit, the initiative will equip students with practical, career-relevant AI skills.
“AI is shaping how students think about their careers, regardless of discipline,” said Andrea Prier, director of the Centre for Work-Integrated Learning. “This program brings AI into work-integrated experiences earlier and more intentionally, so students don’t just learn about AI—they practice using it, build real examples for their résumé and learn how to articulate what they did and the impact they made. We are opening doors to new possibilities and helping every learner see themselves as capable contributors in a changing world.”
Students will take part in projects that address real organizational challenges across campus.
Andrea Prier, director, Centre for WIL
Tackling barriers in AI-learning
Students from non-technical programs, those early in their studies and equity-deserving groups, often have fewer opportunities to build applied AI experience, despite the growth of employer needs for these skills. Many community organizations recognize AI’s importance but do not have the technical expertise, resources or capacity to experiment responsibly.
AI-Enabled Learners is designed to address these challenges.
The program integrates two components: AI foundations and AI in practice. Applied AI for future-focused professionals is a short, self-paced micro-course that builds core AI literacy in 10 hours. The course is accessible regardless of academic background or prior technical experience. Its high value covers key concepts, ethical use and tool fluency. The course’s flexible learning options allow students to tailor their experience to their interests and prior knowledge. Upon completion, students earn a Waterloo certificate of participation to share with employers.
Students then apply their learning through AI in practice, a flexible WIL project where they use AI tools to address real challenges. Waterloo's team scopes projects that range from:
- Introductory tasks (e.g., improving business communications)
- Advanced work (e.g., data analysis, prototyping AI powered solutions)
Students receive structured feedback at key milestones to support their learning and ensure meaningful outcomes for partner organizations.
Erin Jobidon, senior manager, work-integrated learning curriculum, Centre for WIL
Creating an AI-ready future workforce
The innovative program ensures Waterloo co-op students are one step closer to being more prepared for AI in the workplace.
“This is about giving students space to practice, not just learn,” said Erin Jobidon, senior manager of WIL Curriculum at the Centre for WIL. “The projects are designed so students can apply AI in manageable, real-world situations. It’s about building confidence, understanding limits and learning how to use these tools responsibly in work contexts.”
Through AI-enabled learners, Waterloo is leveraging its leadership in co-operative education and WIL to model a scalable, community-focused approach to AI education. Supported by Embark’s Major Grant, the initiative lowers barriers to participation as AI becomes a baseline expectation across the labour market.