ICE Challenges

Industry-led training for our future workforce

Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship Challenges help local students learn about the world of work, develop 21st century skills, and grow their confidence by applying design thinking skills to problems facing local businesses and community organizations.

After participating…

93^% of students feel more aware of challenges facing real companies

90^% of students feel more prepared to problem solve real challenges companies face

97^% of students have a better understanding of their skills and how they can be developed

How it works

We work with local employers and community organizations in all sectors to create a challenge that is relevant to their company and also to young people.

ICE Challenge participants are guided through a design thinking methodology that they apply to their challenge. Through this process they learn about the nature of their challenge, the company that has presented it, and generate fresh ideas and solutions.

Participation in this program is geared towards grade 11-12 students enrolled in a Specialist High Skills Major Program (SHSM) at their high school but we are open to offering these to other groups of students if you think it is a fit! We would love to connect.

To express your interest in working with us on an upcoming ICE Challenge please complete expression of interest form below. Please note that by completing this form it does not guarantee an organized ICE Challenge through the BEP. We will be in touch to talk more details and see if there is a fit.

Expression of Interest Form

WHAT IS INCLUDED: $50/student for a minimum of 30 students. An I.C.E Challenge through the BEP includes arranging a sector partner and a 4-hour interactive workshop, including a pizza lunch. If you are interested please fill out the expression of interest form. If you require more information contact April Albano at [email protected]

Learn more about SHSM

Schedule

2023 - 2024 ICE
Challenge Dates

October 12th, 2023 @ CLAC Member Centre How might we increase revenue streams for Habitat for Humanity by repurposing wasted/broken items from the Habitat ReStore?

October 18th, 2023 @ Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging How might we increase human connection with seniors living in a senior setting through intergenerational connections between youth and senior residents?

December 5th, 2023 @ Waterloo Region Police Service Headquarters How might we reduce impaired driving in our community?

I wouldn’t have passed up this experience for anything. After engaging with the incredible talent, I found myself with an interview at my now wonderful workplace.

—Student

I feel more highly of myself I guess...this challenge made me have to think outside of the box and take initiative over things and I found it very helpful doing this.

—StudentSt. Mary’s CSS (@ Waterloo Region Small Business Centre)

This event taught me how to communicate with others in order to effectively solve an existing problem for a real life business. I learned that though companies may have successes, in order to maintain this success they constantly need new ideas.

—StudentSt. David’s (@ THEMUSEUM)

The students said they felt valued. They commented that they felt as they could actually make a contribution to real problems and challenges the tech companies are dealing with and that what they've learned in school could be put into action and "tested out" with real problems. The day both inspired and opened students' eyes to careers and the types of creative opportunities they might like to pursue.

—Educator

For me, participating confirmed my interest in computer science. Being able to work directly with a company provided me with the knowledge of the skill sets that startups are looking for.

—Student

I think it’s a great opportunity for students to come together and work through a real life problem while providing the organizations with a different viewpoint on challenges they might be facing.

—Employer

This event helped me discover new strengths I did not know I had.

—StudentResurrection CSS (@Communitech)

Community partners needed!

Every organization has challenges. If you would like to engage young people in sharing their creative solutions, we invite you to partner with us on this program. You share the problem and we do the rest!