Skip to main content

Making a positive difference in students’ lives

We are a charity dedicated to ensuring all young people in Waterloo Region can build their path to fulfilling careers.

We do this by empowering youth to explore and prepare for the world of work in partnership with their parents, educators and our local workforce.

Subscribe to our newsletter for updates

Our Story

In the early 2000s, leaders from our local business and education communities shared an idea. Waterloo Region has one of the most highly skilled workforces in the world: Why not use that resource to help our kids better understand and prepare for the changing world of work?

Those leaders created the Business & Education Partnership of Waterloo Region. Since 2002, we empowered over 130,000 youth across Waterloo Region to explore and prepare for the world of work through programs offered in partnership with their parents, educators and our local workforce.

Our goal is that every young person in Waterloo Region can build their path to fulfilling careers

To achieve this goal, we provides meaningful opportunities for employers to develop their future workforce, engage their current employees in volunteerism, and demonstrate themselves as an employer of choice.

Our work is good for students, good for business, and good for Waterloo Region.

We invite you to join us!

Check out what's new

Meet our team

Our team is passionate about informing and inspiring the career development of young people.

Andrea Harding

Executive Director (Interim)

"As a student I remember how overwhelming it can feel to determine a career path. Through the BEP I am excited to help ease that feeling and provide youth with various opportunities to explore the options available to them. I have a passion for community building and look forward to connecting youth to all the amazing stories and experiences our community has to share."

April Albano

Executive Director (on Parental Leave)

"I have walked alongside thousands of youth as they decide what is next for them in their education and career. There is nothing better than seeing a students eyes light up when they discover a career that feels like the right fit. Through the BEP we help students during this discovery phase and teach them foundational skills that will help throughout their career journey. I look forward connecting with youth and building up creative confidence!"

Scott Verhoeve

Associate Director (Contract)

“As a student and student teacher, I met many talented young people who were feeling lost and frustrated about their choices for school and work. As part of the BEP, I’m excited to connect youth to experiences that help them better understand their talents and opportunities!”

Jennifer Birnstihl

Program Manager - Speakers Bureau

"My job is very rewarding as I get to inspire young people and help them discover career possibilities. I get to connect caring educators with our incredible volunteer speakers who, by sharing their career stories, are making a positive impact. Together, I know that we are making a difference in the lives of local youth by exposing them to new ideas, encouraging them to embrace their talents and make better informed decisions about their future. I can’t think of a better way to spend my days sharing my passion for helping others and sharing lessons learned on my own winding career path. As a mother of 3 youth, I can totally relate to the anxiety youth face as they start navigating their futures."

Julie Dreisinger

Program Manager

"As a parent of 2 adult children myself, I have been a first-hand witness to the challenges and uncertainty in deciphering the best way to to help youth with these major decisions around schooling and their career. The resources and experiential opportunities we are able to provide at the BEP ignite my passion; I know I am assisting youth in making wiser and more informed career choices."

Lauren Harvey

Communications and Marketing Manager

"I strongly believe that all my experiences have led me to working for the BEP. From working with youth in remote northern communities, to at-risk youth in urban areas, my passion has always been helping youth see their potential and find their purpose. I love working through creative solutions, empowering youth to believe in their dreams, and am thrilled that I get the privilege of amplifying their stories across the region and beyond!"

Bethany Correia

Program Manager - Youth Innovation

"During my experience as a student, I discovered that community building is a reciprocal process; while I actively dedicated my heart to fostering community on my school campus, the work served me in return as a significant wellness support through my ongoing mental health journey. The BEP praises the gifts of local young people, and aims to make them feel reciprocated within the community, whether that is through helping them explore career choices, championing their innovative ideas, or providing a sense of recognition and belonging. I am so energized by the privilege to grow alongside bright youth in our region!"

Ashley Mayhew

Innovation Team Assistant

"Since I can remember, my passion has been working with youth, encouraging them to use their creative skills and interests to find their purpose. I have worked with youth to develop their creative skills, as well as students with disabilities who need an outlet to share their abilities. I feel as though these experiences have brought me to my place working with the BEP team. I am overjoyed to work alongside youth, as they bring their dream to life!"

Lucas Ridgen

Communications Coordinator

"The creativity of students involved with BEP initiatives always amazes me. It has given me a refreshingly positive outlook on how the up and coming generation of young people will succeed."

Board of Directors

We are leaders from our local business and education communities, working together to build a stronger Waterloo Region.

Supporters

We thank our supporters for their contribution to making every day Career Day for youth across Waterloo Region.

$50,000+

$25,000 - $49,999

$10,000 - $24,999

$5,000 - $9,999

$2,000 - $4,999

INDIVIDUAL DONORS

  • • Graham Parkinson
  • • Katherine St. Louis
  • • Nicole Fernandes
  • • Scott Higgins
  • • Michael Gallant

Join Us

Join us in our mission of educating and inspiring the youth of Waterloo Region.

We use cookies to make interactions with our website and services easy and meaningful, to better understand how they are used and to tailor advertising. By using our website or clicking "accept", you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy.