Vote for the winner of CEE’s 2026 Impact on Student Experience award

R.V. Anderson Associates Limited (RVA) is an employee‑owned Canadian engineering firm that specializes in delivering innovative environmental and infrastructure solutions. RVA prioritizes the student experience by:

• Giving students ownership of municipal engineering work that builds confidence, skills and accountability.
• Delivering structured mentorship through a buddy and senior mentor program.
• Promoting hands‑on learning and initiative through technical training and student‑led Lunch & Learn sessions.
• Creating a supportive, inclusive workplace that prioritizes wellness, connection and belonging.

“I was constantly able to rely on my coworkers for help when needed, which helped foster a growth-oriented environment. Everyone was approachable and willing to answer questions, which made it easier to step outside of my comfort zone and try new tasks.” – Student nomination

Rocket Innovation Studio (RIS) is a Canadian fintech innovation hub that builds technology solutions for Rocket Companies®. RIS prioritizes the student experience by:

• Integrating students as trusted contributors on projects, where their work directly supports business outcomes and technological innovation.
• Investing in student growth and learning through structured onboarding, dedicated mentors and customized development opportunities aligned to student goals.
• Encouraging curiosity, initiative and fresh perspectives by empowering students to propose solutions, ask questions and lead meaningful improvements.
• Recognizing and celebrating student impact through ongoing feedback, inclusive team culture and formal recognition programs that reinforce belonging and confidence.

“Everyone is willing to go the extra mile to support my growth. Even though I started my co-op with limited technical knowledge relevant to my team, I never felt pressured or stressed about delivering work because of the encouraging, growth-oriented environment.”  – Student nomination

telMAX is a York Region–based fibre internet provider that delivers a modern alternative to traditional telecom networks. telMAX prioritizes the student experience by:

• Trusting co‑op students with meaningful responsibilities on projects, empowering them to contribute to business outcomes and see the impact of their work.
• Supporting growth through their development program, Career Corner, that includes workshops to help them with résumé building, interview tips, LinkedIn profiles and career readiness.
• Encouraging learning beyond defined roles by inviting students to customer sites, cross‑functional teams and hands‑on initiatives.
• Fostering well-being and belonging through social connection, inclusive team culture and an environment that treats mistakes as learning opportunities.

“telMAX created a supportive culture where students are trusted, encouraged and challenged. I leave this co-op with stronger communication and analytical skills and the confidence to pursue a future in business strategy and analysis.”  – Student nomination

The Inclusive Education Foundation (InEd) is a Thai non‑profit organization working on the Thai‑Myanmar border to expand access to quality education for migrant and marginalized children through sustainable, community‑based solutions. InEd prioritizes the student experience by:

• Integrating co‑op students as trusted contributors who apply their skills in technology, research and problem‑solving to real challenges in low‑resource education settings.
• Providing strong on‑site mentorship and support, with dedicated supervisors, cultural orientation and practical guidance that ensure student well‑being while working abroad.
• Fostering relationship‑building through collaboration with a diverse, multilingual team and engagement within Mae Sot’s humanitarian and non-governmental organization community.
• Empowering personal and professional growth by granting autonomy and exposure to complex global and ethical issues that shape students’ career paths.

“InEd inspired me to not just move forward professionally for myself, but to be part of work that opens access for others too. I feel more driven to contribute to something meaningful in the world rather than staying inside the comfort of what I already know.” - Student nomination

WalterFedy is a Canadian integrated architecture, engineering and construction services firm that designs sustainable, community‑focused spaces. WalterFedy prioritizes the student experience by:

• Integrating co‑op students into multidisciplinary projects where they take on increasing responsibility and see the impact of their work.
• Supporting growth through structured training, hands‑on learning and established mentorship programs that build confidence and career clarity.
• Creating strong relationships and inclusion through team events, peer connection opportunities and a culture that encourages questions, collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Prioritizing well‑being and development within a people‑first culture grounded in flexibility, recognition, sustainability and continuous learning.

“I can testify that their goal is to invest in their employees and build the best team for the future. The investment they have made in me and many others has set us up for career success.” - Student nomination

Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd. is a national leader in the motorsports and marine industry that sells, markets and supports recreational and marine products, based out of Toronto. Yamaha prioritizes the student experience by:

• Integrating co‑op students into meaningful, independent work, trusting them with ownership of tasks that directly support real business operations.
• Supporting growth through a structured co‑op roadmap that includes orientation with senior leadership, ongoing development activities with a formal reflection and presentation experience.
• Creating strong connections between students and leadership through regular interactions with managers, executives and the company president.
• Fostering confidence, belonging and professional readiness by treating students as full team members and including them in company‑wide events, learning opportunities and open dialogue.

“Yamaha emphasized that support was available whenever needed, with the president of the company personally stating the open-door policy to the co-op students on our very first day.” - Student nomination

Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners LP (Brookfield) is a Toronto-based global leader in renewable power and decarbonization solutions, operating a diverse portfolio of hydro, wind, solar, storage and distributed energy assets. Brookfield prioritizes the student experience by:

• Trusting co‑op students as full team members, involving them in core accounting and business processes that directly support monthly, quarterly and project‑based outcomes.
• Supporting professional growth through structured onboarding, mentorship and consistent inclusion in team discussions.
• Empowering students with ownership and autonomy by assigning special projects with business impact, allowing them to manage timelines, apply their judgment and deliver high‑quality results.
• Prioritizing student well‑being through flexibility, empathy and recognition, creating an environment where students feel valued and supported.

“[My supervisor’s] openness, guidance and trust created a positive work culture that made me feel valued and empowered. This experience played a big role in shaping my career goals and future direction.” - Student nomination

Compass Data & AI (CDAI) is the data and artificial intelligence arm of Compass Group, based out of Montréal, Québec. It builds advanced data platforms and AI‑driven solutions that power food‑service operations on a global scale. CDAI prioritizes the student experience by:

• Integrating co‑op students as full engineers and data scientists, trusting them with ownership of production‑level AI, data and platform projects.
• Supporting growth through regular check-ins and a dual mentor model that develops both deep technical expertise and long‑term career direction.
• Encouraging experimentation and innovation by providing access to cutting‑edge tools, 10 per cent innovation time and opportunities to prototype, test and ship new ideas.
• Fostering connection and belonging through cross‑team collaboration, hackathons, town halls and public recognition that reinforces the impact of student contributions.

“The organization distinguishes itself through a culture of radical trust… where interns are treated as full engineers capable of driving high‑impact innovation.” - Student nomination 

Geotab is a Canadian global leader in connected vehicle and asset solutions, using data analytics and AI to improve fleet safety, efficiency and sustainability, headquartered in Oakville, Ontario. Geotab prioritizes the student experience by:

• Integrating co‑op students as trusted contributors through a cohort‑based onboarding model that fosters immediate connection, psychological safety and peer support.
• Supporting growth by removing the “intern” label from student work, involving students in executive meetings, decision‑making and projects with real customer and business impact.
• Encouraging innovation and autonomy by empowering students to scope, build and implement solutions that are actively used across teams and workflows.
• Fostering well‑being and belonging through mentorship, open communication, social events and inclusive employee communities that support both personal and professional growth.

“They struck a perfect balance between providing autonomy and offering guidance. I was always encouraged and empowered to solve challenging problems and learn as much as I could in such a limited time.” - Student nomination

Northbridge Financial Corporation is a leading Canadian commercial property and casualty insurance group that protects businesses nationwide. Northbridge prioritizes the student experience by:

• Treating co-op students as valued team members through formal programs like Boost, a points-based recognition program that promotes appreciation, belonging and confidence.
• Prioritizing student well‑being through flexible hybrid work, summer hours and access to comprehensive mental, physical, financial and social wellness supports.
• Creating meaningful connections with leadership and peers through structured onboarding, networking events, town halls and other opportunities to engage with senior executives and global leaders.
• Empowering growth by encouraging curiosity, innovation and exploration across departments that help students build skills, explore career paths and make real business impact.

“By cultivating this kind of environment, Northbridge made me feel as though my learning and experience came first and foremost… I never felt unvalued for my contributions.” - Student nomination

The Oral Anticancer Medication (OACM) program at Toronto’s Sunnybrook’s Odette Cancer Centre is a pharmacist‑led ambulatory service that supports patients receiving oral cancer therapies through safe prescribing, toxicity monitoring, adherence support and education. The program prioritizes the student experience by:

• Integrating Waterloo co‑op students as active contributors to patient care, quality improvement and clinical operations.
• Supporting growth through structured onboarding, individualized teaching approaches, dedicated supervision and regular mentorship meetings that builds confidence and clinical competence.
• Fostering psychological safety and professional curiosity by encouraging questions, discussion and reflection within a supportive, interdisciplinary oncology environment.
• Offering opportunities to author publications and present at large-scale conferences.

“[My supervisor’s] mentorship transformed my learning experience into one of empowerment, confidence and inspiration. This co-op has not only shaped my clinical skills… it has shown me what compassionate, future-focused training truly looks like.” Student nomination

Texas Instruments (TI) Canada is part of a global technology leader developing semiconductor and software tools that power embedded systems, AI and modern electronics worldwide. TI prioritizes the student experience by:

• Integrating co‑op students into high‑impact, production‑level work and trusting them with ownership of features and tools used daily.
• Supporting growth through strong technical mentorship, regular feedback and opportunities for students to present their work to technical leads and management.
• Encouraging learning and innovation by challenging students with new technologies, hackathons and real customer‑driven assignments that stretch skills and confidence.
• Fostering belonging and well‑being through a collaborative, inclusive culture with team sports, social events and a supportive environment where they welcome questions and curiosity.

“My team welcomed my questions, listened to my ideas and trusted me with meaningful work. I never felt like ‘just a student’. That sense of belonging gave me confidence to speak up, take initiative and grow faster than I expected.” - Student nomination