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
To participate, contact your SHSM lead or contact us below.
Learn more about SHSMSchedule
2022 - 2023 ICE
Challenge Dates
November 18, 2022 @ Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging How might we improve lives for residents of long term care through intergenerational partnerships?
January 19, 2023 @ CLAC Member Centre How might we increase revenue for Habitat for Humanity using materials that might otherwise go to landfill?
March 29, 2023 @ Waterloo Region Small Business Centre How might we more effectively promote the Summer Company program?
May 26, 2023 @ Region of Waterloo Transportation Services How might we make our local public transportation system more integrated for those who ride e-scooters?
May 30, 2023 - TBD
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!
Contact us below to get involved!
Thank you community partners!
Thank you to the organizations who participated in 2021-22:
- City of Kitchener
- GreenLearning
- MADD Canada
- Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging