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The Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) Employer Impact Awards recognize and honour employers for their industry excellence and the incredible opportunities they provide to University of Waterloo students.
With a global network of more than 8,000 distinguished employers in over 65 countries, CEE’s employers provide quality work-integrated learning experiences—as well as opportunities for growth, training and development—to more than 25,000 students from Waterloo. Our students are successfully prepared to enter the future workforce thanks to the commitment and guidance of our valued employers.
The CEE Employer Impact Awards recognize and honour small, medium and large organizations for their industry excellence and the incredible opportunities they provide to University of Waterloo students. To be eligible, your organization must:
There is no fee to submit your nomination to be considered for the CEE Employer Impact Awards! Each award category is judged on three sub-categories and can be awarded up to 30 points. The sub-categories and suggestions for an effective application are listed under each award category.
Nominations are open until March 28, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.
This award recognizes an employer who improves the representation, participation and engagement of equity within their community by advancing programs, policies and processes that foster an equitable, diverse and inclusive workplace. The recipient of this award considers equity, diversity and inclusion in their recruitment strategies and company culture. They also take initiative to directly address systemic barriers to equity and inclusion, ensuring individuals with diverse perspectives, experiences and identities have equal opportunities.
Points are allocated based on how effectively the application describes:
Please note: To be considered for an Employer Impact Award, your organization must have received an average overall Work Term Satisfaction rating of seven or higher from students (if applicable).
This award recognizes an employer who values the integration of industry and academic knowledge to inspire innovation among a new generation. The recipient of this award will offer opportunities for students to align their academic learning with related work experiences.
Points are allocated based on how effectively the application describes:
Please note: To be considered for an Employer Impact Award, your organization must have received an average overall Work Term Satisfaction rating of seven or higher from students (if applicable).
This award recognizes an employer who embraces global excellence and experience within their organization. The recipient of this award must provide a detailed example of a time they utilized the global expertise and/or cultural sensitivity of one or more students to create an impact in the workplace or community.
Note: Organizations do not need to have locations outside of Canada, or international business operations, to be eligible for this award. We encourage Canadian-based companies who leverage international knowledge from international co-op students, or co-op students who interact with international partners during their work term, to apply.
Points are allocated based on how effectively the application describes:
How the organization provides a global focus for students.
The opportunities for international experiences, or exposure to international markets and/or knowledge, for students.
Co-op student involvement in internationally focused projects.
Please note: To be considered for an Employer Impact Award, your organization must have received an average overall Work Term Satisfaction rating of seven or higher from students (if applicable).
This award recognizes an employer who encourages student excellence in research and analysis, potentially leading to meaningful impact on the world. The recipient of this award will provide
students with an understanding of the importance of conducting credible research according to sound methodologies in the process for change.
Points are allocated based on how effectively the application describes:
How co-op students are valuable to the research process.
The value and potential impact that co-op students had on the research being conducted.
Specific research projects to which co-op students have contributed.
Please note: To be considered for an Employer Impact Award, your organization must have received an average overall Work Term Satisfaction rating of seven or higher from students (if applicable).
This award recognizes an employer for their commitment to providing students with experiences that align with meaningful experiences that contribute to advancing environmental sustainability goals. The recipient of this award will demonstrate a strong passion for offering work opportunities that focus on building a better world for people and the planet.
Points are allocated based on how effectively the application describes:
How co-op students have made meaningful contributions to advancing sustainability goals through the organization.
The companywide environmental sustainability strategies that impact/affect students working in their organization.
Specific projects and changes that co-op students have helped complete.
Please note: To be considered for an Employer Impact Award, your organization must have received an average overall Work Term Satisfaction rating of seven or higher from students (if applicable).
This award recognizes an employer who has made a significant impact on the University of Waterloo’s student community. The recipient of this award will provide stimulating work terms in positive, thriving environments, understanding the importance of skills development through experiential learning. Their company culture and values will focus on preparing the next generation of talent for the future of work.
Points are allocated based on how effectively the application describes:
The overall positive impact the organization has on their co-op students.
The programs and initiatives designed for co-op students.
The contributions that co-op students have made to the organization.
Explain why your organization values the contributions, empowerment and growth of the future workforce.
Provide proof that the students your organization hires are offered opportunities to grow and thrive during their work term.
Include examples related to professional development and training, upskilling and reskilling, problem-solving and critical thinking, or other experiences that prepare students for their future careers.
Explain and provide examples of any health and wellness programs your organization has in place that directly benefit the co-op students you employ.
Please note: To be considered for an Employer Impact Award, your organization must have received an average overall Work Term Satisfaction rating of seven or higher from students (if applicable).
CEE Employer Impact Award recipients receive:
Honourable mention recipients will receive:
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The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.