UPEI celebrates National Co-op Week March 18–22

UPEI kicked off National Co-operative Education Week today with the signing of an official proclamation by PEI's Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning Allen Roach. National co-op week (March 18-22) is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Canadian co-op students.

The UPEI Co-operative Education program will celebrate the national week by recognizing student work term accomplishments during its annual co-op awards ceremony on Wednesday, March 20. 'Co-op Student of the Year' awards in business, physics, and computer science as well as 'Employer Recognition' awards will be presented. Winners of the 'Co-op Student of the Year' awards demonstrate high academic achievement, a valued contribution to their employer and community, and exemplary personal and professional development.

'The UPEI co-op program motivates students and encourages them to take a positive step beyond their comfort level,' said Lisa Hoskins, UPEI's national co-op week coordinator.'It allows students to take initiative to develop a prosperous career path. It also progresses learning, maturity, and ambition while easing the transition from university to the workplace.'

UPEI is among 130 colleges and universities across Canada that are actively involved in developing their students into workplace professionals through co-operative education. UPEI's co-operative education program fosters next generation leaders and gives students the opportunity to push themselves, while at the same time giving back to the local community. Through real-life experience and guidance from employers and co-op coordinators, students gain valuable knowledge and skills that will be used throughout their career upon graduation.

For more information on UPEI's co-op program, visit upei.ca/co-op or email co-op@upei.ca. For more information on the CAFCE's National Co-op Week, visit www.cafce.ca/en/co-op-week