Change makers in co-op

A group of diverse university student change makers discussing environmental problems at a table

Looking for work that matters? Be a change maker!

Working in a non-profit organization helps to improve the world that we all live in. Through Waterloo's Change makers in co-op, you can create change for those in need and experience what it is like to work abroad.

Change makers in co-op supports valuable, in-person co-op work experiences at non-profit organizations abroad. Funded by the Steele Family Foundation, each successful co-op student will receive $10,000 CAD through the program.

Michael Steele (BASc ’81), a former Waterloo co-op student himself, is the co-founder of the Steele Family Foundation. He has first-hand experience with the impact that working for non-profits can have.

Mike Steele

The biggest challenge all developing minds have, is determining what direction they should take their energy and hidden talents. We are strong believers that education leads to opportunity. So how can we put together all our learning experiences and blessings and create a better life for the less fortunate? I believe that Change makers in co-op can help stranded superstars to shine.

MICHAEL STEELE, former Waterloo co-op student and co-founder of the Steele Family Foundation

Program details

The Co-operative and Experiential Education team has worked with Canadian and international organizations to develop several work opportunities that qualify for Change makers in co-op. The job postings are available in WaterlooWorks. Don’t miss the chance to make a difference while working abroad!

1. What are the requirements?

All full-time undergraduate Waterloo co-op students (Canadians, permanent residents and international students) are eligible for Change makers in co-op. To qualify, your work term must be at a non-profit organization, located outside of Canada and the United States and be four months long. The job opportunity must be an approved posting through WaterlooWorks (arrange own jobs work terms are not applicable).

Once approved by Co-operative Education, you must:

2. How do I apply?

You can apply to the Change makers in co-op opportunities just like you would any other job opportunities posted in WaterlooWorks. Search for Change makers international work-integrated learning (iWIL) experiences on WaterlooWorks job boards. To search for these jobs, follow the steps below:

  • Login to WaterlooWorks

  • Select the co-op Full-Cycle Service, Employer-Student Direct or Contract, Part-Time and Volunteer jobs board

  • Use the Advanced Search feature to search for the keyword Steele Family Foundation

  • Apply for a position of interest to you during one of the recruitment cycles

  • Employers will interview eligible candidates and make their selection

  • Please note, jobs posted on the Full-Cycle Service job board will follow the rank/match process. Jobs posted on the Contract, Part-Time and Volunteer job board will follow the employer’s chosen selection process.

3. What funding is available and when do I receive it?

If you qualify, you’ll receive a total of $10,000 CAD disbursed in your Quest account in three transactions:

  • $4,000 after you have completed the mandatory travel-related activities.

  • $4,000 mid-way through your international work experience.

  • $2,000 after you have completed the work term and have shared your post-experience story.

Change maker stories

Stacey Cootes and Michaels Steele sit on a couch surrounded by Indian elementary school students

Educating for impact

Through two awards inspired by Waterloo’s former president Feridun Hamdullahpur, The Steele Family Foundation will help to eliminate financial barriers to varsity sport and nonprofit work. These experiences will in turn prepare them to thrive as competitors and community builders.

FullSoul co-op students and staff looking up in forest

Early talent at the helm of international development

Non-profit organizations are answering the call for support in global communities with help from co-op students who are tackling international development projects.