Co-operative and Experiential Education Employer Impact Awards

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.

See the Grading Rubric for Impact in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Anti-Racism and Indigenization.

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.

See the Grading Rubric for Impact in Innovation.

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.

See the Grading Rubric for Impact in International Excellence.

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.

See the Grading Rubric for Impact in Research.

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.

See the Grading Rubric for Impact in Sustainability.

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.

See the Grading Rubric for Impact on Student Experience.

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).