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.
These challenges are then presented to students are part of a live event (virtual for now) or an asynchronous digital learning experience.
In both formats, ICE Challenge participants are guided through a design thinking methodology that they apply to their local 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
2021 - 2022 ICE
Challenge Dates
November 3 & 24, 2021: Recreation Redesign: How might we help the City of Kitchener make recreation programs more safe and welcoming for LGBTQ2+ youth and families?
March 2 & 3, 2022: Help Wanted in Long-Term Care: How might we encourage more young people to consider a career in long-term care?
March 24 & 31, 2022: Plastic Pollution: How might we reduce or eliminate plastic waste in local schools?
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!
Thank you to the organizations who participated in 2020-21:
- Centre in the Square
- Charcoal Group
- City of Kitchener
- Clarion Medical Technologies
- Green Hart Farms
- Magnet Forensics
- Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging
- Sustainable Waterloo Region
- Waterloo Region Marketing Tourism Corporation
- Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo, Wellington, Dufferin
Contact us below to get involved!