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Volunteer

Inspire Waterloo Region youth

We often underestimate the power of a single conversation. For a student, hearing how you found your way can be the exact moment their "I can't" turns into "I will."

By sharing your career story, you aren’t just talking about a job—you’re giving a gift of confidence to a generation that needs it. You are showing them that the path to success isn’t a straight line, and that community means looking back to pull the next person up.

No stage fright required. We aren't looking for polished speeches; we’re looking for real people willing to invest in our community's future.

Share Your Career Story with Local Youth

We are looking for volunteers to share their stories at local schools on the below dates:

  • Thursday, March 12th - 9:00AM - 11:35AM: St Mary’s Secondary (Kitchener)
  • Tuesday, March 24th - 11:45AM - 2:20PM: Jacob Hespeler Secondary (Cambridge)
  • Wednesday, March 25th - 8:20AM - 10:55AM: Forest Heights Secondary (Kitchener)
  • Thursday, March 26th - 8:20AM - 10:55AM: Kitchener Collegiate Institute (Kitchener)

Learn more and sign up

Want to receive requests for future career talks?

Apply to volunteer in our Speakers Bureau!

Upon applying, we will contact you to discuss your interest, qualifications and expectations.

When approved, you will receive requests to share your career story with schools across Waterloo Region, along with resources and training to help you do so effectively.

Apply Today!

As a KW local, I really enjoy the chance to give back and provide some guidance to our eager student population. I think it’s important we give them exposure to more real-world jobs, success stories, and struggles to prepare them for life.”

—Courtney CasselCEO & Owner, Cassel Consulting

Thank you so much for having me visit and be a part of such an amazing opportunity and program! I love the connections, relationship-building and value in reaching our young people!

—Tammi Hall-StollFamily and Children's Services of the Waterloo Region

It’s satisfying to share my experiences with the students. I never had the benefit of someone coming in to share experiences [when I was in school].

—Bruce FraserDirector of HR, Steelcraft Inc.

Volunteer FAQs

Volunteers must be:

There is no minimum time commitment; you can accept only the opportunities that fit within your schedule. Most opportunities are during the daytime from Monday to Friday (school hours).

Prospective volunteers are subject to a review of their application, including an interview, prior to participating in BEP programs. Volunteers are required to follow the practices defined in the BEP terms and conditions, which includes being under the supervision of an educator or assigned school staff for any in-school activity.

When creating your profile, you can indicate your interest in virtual volunteer opportunities, as well as areas within the Region of Waterloo that you would potentially be willing to travel. Your profile can also be updated in the future to adjust your preferences.

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