The Faculty of Engineering has launched the CEGCs Champions program, a new initiative encouraging students to engage directly with Canada’s most critical engineering challenges. Conceived and developed by Engineering Deans Canada, under the leadership of Waterloo Engineering's Dean Mary Wells, this program empowers students to make meaningful contributions while gaining skills that will shape their professional futures.
The CEGCs Champions program focuses on six Canadian Engineering Grand Challenges (CEGCs), which reflect urgent national priorities in engineering and society, including:
- Resilient infrastructure
- Access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy
- Safe water in all communities
- Inclusive, safe, and sustainable cities
- Sustainable industrialization
- Accessible and inclusive STEM education
Any current undergraduate or graduate student in Waterloo Engineering is eligible to participate. The program structure includes a four-step process designed to engage students with one of the six challenge themes. After completing introductory modules on CEGCs e-campus, students select a theme and participate in two related learning experiences through their curriculum, co-op, extracurriculars, volunteer work, or research. They then create a reflective, three-minute thesis (3MT) video summarizing their insights.
Each submission will be reviewed by Waterloo Engineering faculty and shared in the CEGCs Champions Showcase, recognizing students’ contributions to Canada’s engineering future.
“Engineering students have the passion and creativity to take on these significant challenges,” says Dean Mary Wells. “Through this program, we’re not only spotlighting their contributions but also inspiring others to think critically about the future of engineering in Canada.”
Learn more about the CEGCs Champions program.