Government funding expands access to work-integrated learning opportunities for students

Thanks to renewed investment from the Government of Canada's Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative, Brock University students can once again apply for funding to offset the financial costs of participating in the University's renowned WIL programs.

Distributed through the Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada's (CEWIL Canada) Innovation Hub (iHUB), a University-wide bursary of $474,375 is available to help reduce traditional barriers to participation in WIL experiences. This builds on the more than $2 million that the University has received from CEWIL Canada's iHUB since 2021.

The funding is available to Canadian students on a first-come, first-served basis through Brock's Co-op, Career and Experiential Education (CCEE) team.

Financial support will range from $200 to $1,750 based on the experience and financial cost incurred by the student.

Rajiv Jhangiani, Vice-Provost, Teaching and Learning, said the funding reduces out-of-pocket expenses typically incurred by students for shorter opportunities, as well as potential lost wages for longer experiences, such as practicums, internships and field experiences.

"Participating in work-integrated learning with community and industry partners is a core aspect of the student experience at Brock," said Jhangiani. "By providing funds directly to students in need, this bursary will help widen equitable access to these transformative learning experiences."

An additional $338,600 in funding from CEWIL Canada's iHUB has also been awarded to the University for spring and summer WIL experiences on a course-wide level.

Students enrolled in Earth Sciences 3P99 Field Camp - Solid Earth, for example, travelled to remote locations to conduct environmental surveying on the diverse Canadian Shield landscape. A partnership with Niagara Falls-based software company, Axzora Inc., which specializes in geographic information systems (GIS), gave students first-hand experience using the cloud-based software Mapbook. This is an industry standard technology that provides the ability to transmit and visualize real-time findings from the field.

Jordyn Schumacher, who is going into her fourth year in Brock's Earth Sciences program and completed the course, said the financial support "is a lifeline to students" because it allows them to get out of the classroom and develop industry-specific skills they may not have been able to otherwise.

"Field techniques are so important to geology and having first-hand experience of the rock outcrops and sample collection is invaluable to any geologist going into their future careers," she said. "You don't get the opportunity to learn about and see 2.5-billion-year-old rocks every day, so having the opportunity to do so is amazing."

Students will also receive funding to offset costs associated with participation in the upcoming Sport Management Major Games - World Rowing Championships course, for example. The field course will provide students with WIL opportunities related to the 2024 World Rowing Championships in St. Catharines, including in news and social media, partner activation and fan engagement.

As part of the course, students will also utilize the SpacesEDU by myBlueprint tool to document, collaborate and reflect on their learning using photos, videos, audio, words or external links.

Michael Fawkes, Sport Management Experiential Education Co-ordinator, said both students and the community partners they work with benefit from experiences like these.

"We are very grateful for the CEWIL organization for supporting these students looking to build their resumé and gain experience in the sports industry," he said.

Funding for the student bursary program is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and applications close at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, or once all funds have been distributed.

Applications will prioritize Indigenous students; Black and racialized Canadians; persons living with a disability; female-identifying or non-binary persons studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics; newcomers to Canada; official language minorities; Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (2SLGBTQ+) students; students living in remote or rural locations; students with low socioeconomic status; mature students; and students from refugee pathways.

To learn more or to apply for funding, visit the CCEE website.

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