Business and Education Partnership of Waterloo Region

What a year it’s been!
The BEP is a proud delivery partner of the Career Conversations Program.
Throughout the 2025–2026 school year, Career Conversations connected local professionals with Grade 9 and 10 students across Waterloo Region, creating opportunities for meaningful discussions about careers, pathways, and the future of work.

Together, we reached more than 14,000 students, facilitated 500+ classroom conversations, and welcomed 100+ volunteer speakers who generously shared their experiences, insights, and advice.

Thank you to every volunteer, educator, school, and community partner who helped make these conversations possible. Your time and willingness to share your story helped students explore new possibilities and imagine what their futures could look like.

We’re excited to welcome David Ward as BEPWR’s new Communications Specialist!

David is a multi-media producer and communications professional with 25 years of experience in media, journalism, marketing, and public relations. Some may also recognize David as a media & communications professor at Conestoga College, where students have previously supported Youth Creativity Fund initiatives and promotions.

With both industry experience and a strong passion for education, David will be a valuable addition to the BEPWR team!

A big thank you to this week’s volunteers for supporting youth across our community and helping create meaningful learning experiences 💙

Your time, knowledge, and willingness to give back continue to make a positive impact across Waterloo Region.

And of course... a little volunteer badge never hurts! 👏
Feel free to share your slide and celebrate the impact you helped make this week.

Looking back on an incredible 2025–2026 Career Conversations season across Waterloo Region 👏

This year, local professionals connected with more than 14,000 students through honest conversations, career exploration, and real-world experiences in classrooms across the region.

From healthcare and skilled trades to technology, entrepreneurship, education, business, creative industries, and more, students had the opportunity to hear authentic career journeys, ask meaningful questions, and explore future pathways in a more personal and engaging way.

As a proud delivery partner of Ontario Career Lab , powered by HIEC , we are incredibly grateful to our volunteers, educators, schools, and community partners who helped make these conversations possible.

Read our full year-end recap through our website bepwr.ca/blogs (link in bio) 🔗

Youth Summer Employment! Check out this new resource from City of Cambridge which includes links to local employment services, workshops, training opportunities and job search supports through organizations across Cambridge and Waterloo Region.

https://www.cambridge.ca/business-building-development/economic-development/resources-for-youth

Wrapping up an incredible year of Career Conversations at Eastwood Collegiate Institute 👏✨

Students had the opportunity to connect with industry professionals, hear firsthand career journeys, ask thoughtful questions, and explore the many different pathways available after high school. It’s always inspiring to see these conversations spark curiosity, confidence, and new possibilities for the future.

As a proud delivery partner of Ontario Career Lab , powered by HIEC , we’re grateful to continue creating meaningful learning experiences and connections for students across the region.

A huge thank you to Eastwood Collegiate Institute for welcoming us into your school, and to all of our amazing volunteers who shared their time, experiences, and advice with students. Your support continues to make a lasting impact.

Young people can’t explore careers they’ve never had the chance to see.
From skilled trades and healthcare to entrepreneurship, technology, and public service, exposure plays a huge role in helping students imagine what’s possible for their future.

Our latest blog explores why conversations, mentorship, and community connections matter more than ever in career exploration.

Explore the blog through website Bepwr.ca (Link in Bio).

We had a fantastic time at Bluevale Collegiate Institute today for another engaging Guess My Career event! 🎤✨

Students had the opportunity to hear directly from professionals with unique career journeys, ask questions, and gain insight into pathways they may not have explored before. With such a diverse range of careers represented, today’s conversations helped bring future possibilities to life.

A big thank you to our incredible volunteers:

• Theresa C**n – Facilitator, Author & Fitness Instructor
• Caitlyn Taylor – Zoology Student / Sheridan College Veterinary Technician Program
• Ken Diplock – Public Health Inspector & Professor, Conestoga College
• Kira Nardone – Esthetician, Makeup Artist & Spa Manager, Illum Salon & Spa
• Maddison Durocher – Recent Graduate, Esports Event & Media Production Program
• Greg Durocher – President & CEO, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce
• Shaminder Handa – Pharmacy Manager, Shoppers Drug Mart

Thank you for sharing your experiences, perspectives, and advice with students today. These conversations play such an important role in helping young people explore what their futures could look like.

And thank you to the staff and students at Bluevale Collegiate Institute for having us — we always appreciate the warm welcome! 👏

A big thank you to this week’s volunteers for supporting youth across our community and helping students feel more connected to future pathways and opportunities 💙

Your time, encouragement, and willingness to share your experiences continue to make a meaningful impact across Waterloo Region.

And of course… a little volunteer badge never hurts!
Feel free to share your slide and celebrate the impact you helped make this week!

Interested in getting involved with BEP? Learn more through our website bepwr.ca
-link in our bio.

Reminder! 🌱 Applications for the Youth Creativity Fund close in 10 days for our May intake.
Have an idea you want to bring to life in your community?
Youth can apply for up to $1000 in funding to support creative projects, events, initiatives, and more 💡

Apply today at youthcreativityfund.ca or through the link in our bio 🔗