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CEWIL Canada Announces over 9300 IWIL Students Experiences in Round 1 Funding
Toronto, ON - Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada’s Innovation Hub (iHub) is thrilled to announce the support of 9326 individual student experiences, totalling just over $6,7M in its opening round of funding (January-April 2021).
Four main types of WIL (Community and Industry Research Projects, Community Service Learning, Entrepreneurial WIL and Field Placements) were prioritized through this initiative funded in part by the Government of Canada’s innovative work-integrated learning (IWIL) program. A special focus was put on supporting underrepresented students. Of the students funded, 47% self-identified as part of an underrepresented group.
178 projects were funded focusing on eliminating barriers to Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), leveraging technology, developing new partnerships and innovative programming. A full list of funded institutions can be requested at [email protected].
“It has been absolutely inspiring and energizing to exchange with faculty and WIL professionals across Canada through the iHub,” stated Charlene Marion, Director WIL. “There is such a palatable passion for providing students with amazing learning opportunities. Our Canadian post-secondary institutions are doing some truly innovative work in the field that deserves recognition and celebration.”
Benefitting Students, Institutions, and Community & Industry
This student-focused funding, where the emphasis is on the direct benefit to students, was received with open arms to many students who otherwise would not receive remuneration for their WIL experience. One college student shared that “The funding allowed me to focus on my placement and not need to work everyday after placement to afford food and rent. This allowed me to get the most out of my placement.” More student feedback on the IWIL experience will be available on the iHub website.
Mount Allison University Religious Studies Associate Professor, Dr. Suzie Andrews, was one of the faculty to apply for funding. Through a collaboration with Play School Inc. in Sackville, NB, her students completed a full audit of their library to ensure representation from a diversity lens. Click here to see and hear from faculty, students, and the community partner.
“Our funding partnership with the Government of Canada through the iHub has meant that more Canadian students can participate in quality WIL experiences at our institutions while eliminating barriers to access,” indicated Cara Krezek, President of CEWIL Canada. “As Round 3 projects in the Fall kick off, we hope to be able to continue this meaningful work in the future, building more national capacity for WIL opportunities for all students.”
About CEWIL Canada
CEWIL Canada's mission is to build the capacity to develop future-ready students and graduates through quality work-integrated learning.
CEWIL Canada partners with post-secondary institutions, community members, employers, government, and students to champion work-integrated learning. WIL is a model and process of experiential education which formally and intentionally integrates a student’s academic studies with learning in a workplace or practice setting. WIL experiences normally include an engaged partnership between an academic institution, a host organization/employer, and a student.
Media inquiries:
Charlene Marion
Director, WIL
CEWIL Canada
([email protected])
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