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ICE Challenges
Making a positive difference in students' lives
Too many young people leave high school without a clear understanding of the possibilities that exist for their future.
The Business and Education Partnership is an award-winning charity that helps young people better understand and prepare for the world of work, so that they can build their own paths to successful careers.
In the early 2000s, leaders from our local business and education communities shared an idea. Waterloo Region has one of the most highly skilled workforces in the world: Why not use that resource to help our kids better understand and prepare for the changing world of work?
Those leaders created the Business & Education Partnership of Waterloo Region. Since 2002, we have connected over 100,000 students to career exploration, skill development and networking opportunities with over 4,000 industry professionals.
Our goal is that youth in Waterloo Region will confidently set goals and plan next steps as they begin to proactively manage their career journey.
To achieve this goal BEP Waterloo Region provides meaningful opportunities for employers to develop their future workforce, engage their current employees in volunteerism, and demonstrate themselves as an employer of choice.
Our work is good for students, good for business, and good for Waterloo Region.
We invite you to join us!
Our team is passionate about informing and inspiring the career development of young people.
Scott Verhoeve
"As a student and student teacher, I met many talented young people who were feeling lost and frustrated about their choices for school and work. As part of the BEP, I'm excited to connect youth to experiences that help them better understand their talents and opportunities!"
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Julie Dreisinger
"As a parent of 2 adult children myself, I have been a first-hand witness to the challenges and uncertainty in deciphering the best way to to help youth with these major decisions around schooling and their career. The resources and experiential opportunities we are able to provide at the BEP ignite my passion; I know I am assisting youth in making wiser and more informed career choices."
James Howe
Program and Communications Manager
"As a father of two youth who are beginning their own career exploration, I am excited to use my skills as a nonprofit communications professional to help all Waterloo Region youth explore their career options."
We are leaders from our local business and education communities, working together to build a stronger Waterloo Region.
Doug Sparkes, Chair
Linda Gregorio, Vice Chair
Graham Parkinson, Secretary
Pete Vreeswyk, Treasurer
Ron Deboer
Nicole Fernandes
Rosie Hessian
Scott Higgins
Omar Hussein
Stephen MacNeil
Ann Moser
Carmin Lakhanpal
Katherine St. Louis
Annalisa Varano
"To me, the BEP plays an important role in the future success of our youth. The BEP provides opportunities for engagement between students and the local businesses community, leading to a greater understanding their future needs and opportunities."
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Presents of Mind
ATS Automation
"It's a great pleasure to be involved with an organization that both connects local youth and their families with the opportunities that our Region offers and provides businesses with a venue for reinvestment in the communities that they are a part of."
Vice President, Finance
Magnet Forensics
Waterloo Region District School Board
Chair, Interdiscplinary Studies
Conestoga College
HIP Developments
"I always believed that the high school age group is a crucial age for identifying one's purpose in life. And since BEP is a leader in supporting youth to make informed decisions about their careers, I'm excited and honored to support their mission and efforts in impacting youth."
General Manager, Quality Control & Lexus Transformation
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada
Being involved in the manufacturing environment for over 35 years I am very aware of the impact that both my business and personal relationships can have on the local community, especially the youth who are entering into the workforce. I look forward to working with the BEP Waterloo Region team to create the workplace/workforce of the future.
Manager, Workforce Advantage
Crawford and Company
"I'm passionate about engaging and empowering youth in our community to explore and get excited about their career journey."
Associate Director, Resources & Operations - Experiential Learning & Career Development
BEP Waterloo Region plays such a key role in helping local youth understand and explore career opportunities. I'm excited to support this work that inspires youth to focus on their career development.
Superintendent of Learning
Waterloo Catholic District School Board
2021 - 2022 Supporters
We thank our supporters for their contribution to making every day Career Day for youth across Waterloo Region.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORTERS
• Enbridge Inc.
• Overlap Associates
• Rapid Gear
• Staebler Insurance
Join us in our mission of educating and inspiring the youth of Waterloo Region.
Become a volunteerDonate
218 Boida Avenue, Unit 5, Ayr, ON N0B 1E0
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