Vote for the winner of CEE’s 2025 Impact on Student Experience award

Group of co-op students outside the Tatham centre smiling

Student voices – voices like yours – matter!

We need your help selecting the 2025 Employer Impact Award for Student Experience award recipient. By submitting your vote, you are entered to win one of three $25 WatCard prizes.

Learn more about the Employer Impact Awards and the Impact in Student Experience category.

Vote for the employer with the most compelling story about their impact on student experience.

When voting for an employer submission, consider if the employer:

  • makes a significant impact on student experience.
  • empowers their students to grow, thrive and succeed.
  • equips students with skills required for the future workforce.
  • provides students with opportunities for professional development and experiences that help prepare for the future. (e.g. relationship building, training, upskilling, reskilling, problem solving, critical thinking, etc.).
  • has programs to promote student learning, health and wellness in the workplace.

Please note: participation in this voting is confidential and voluntary, and the results of the voting will only be reported in aggregate, ensuring that no individual can be identified. If Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) does not receive enough student votes to fairly determine the winner of the Impact on Student Experience Award, CEE reserves the right to determine a winner based on their initial submission package.

Step 1: Learn about the nominees for this award and their impact

All finalists have a work term rating of 8.3 or higher.

Ceragen

 is a biotechnology startup that provides ݮƵ co-op students with immersive, hands-on work experience in microbiology and hydroponic agriculture research. Students lead impactful projects—from DNA sequencing and microbial isolation to product development and patent contributions. Ceragen offers one-on-one mentorship, resume workshops with executives, flexible work hours and a supportive, inclusive culture.

The company encourages students to innovate, present at conferences and even co-author publications. With a high return rate and many students joining full-time after graduation, Ceragen prioritizes student growth, empowerment and career readiness.

Student quotes:

  • “Ceragen truly prioritizes the learning and growth of its students, no matter their level of experience.”
  • “They encouraged me to explore bioinformatics, which completely shaped my career path.”
  • “I was recognized as an inventor on a U.S. patent application.”
  • “Every day brought something new to look forward to and there was never a dull moment.”

Dayforce

 is a global leader in Human Capital Management. It offers co-op experiences that blend real-world impact, mentorship and professional development. Just like full-time team members, students at Dayforce lead projects in lead projects in software development, marketing and product management.

Student programs include structured onboarding, mentorship, Dayforce University training, DEI workshops and leading team projects. Social events, wellness days and volunteer initiatives foster community and balance. Students gain technical skills, confidence and career clarity, with many returning for multiple terms or full-time roles after graduation.

Student quotes:

  • “From day one, I was welcomed into an environment that fostered innovation, collaboration and continuous learning.”
  • “I got to work on real projects and even got chances to design new features… I felt like I was truly contributing.”
  • “Dayforce is great at highlighting the achievements and contributions of each individual team.”
  • “The mentorship I received was exceptional… this internship helped bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world development.”

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

 is the only children’s rehabilitation hospital in Canada focused on combining world-class care, transformational research and academic leadership in the field of child and youth rehabilitation and disability. It offers co-op experiences where students contribute to life-changing pediatric care. Students work with health-care professionals across many fields, lead impactful quality and safety projects and receive mentorship from expert clinicians.

Students participate in specialized training, wellness programs and collaborative learning with medical peers.Holland Bloorview gives co-op students the opportunity to present to leadership and shape national advocacy. Often, they’ll invite students to return as full-time staff after graduation. The hospital empowers students to grow as compassionate, skilled health-care professionals in a uniquely supportive and inclusive environment.

Student quotes:

  • “I was supported by an incredible team, encouraged to explore my interests and trusted to take on meaningful responsibilities that shaped my confidence and career path.”
  • “My project had significant ongoing impact at the hospital… I presented my findings and solutions to the Pharmacy and Therapeutics committee.”
  • “This placement truly empowered me to develop my skills and professional development as a pharmacy student.”
  • “I felt like a true part of the team… I formed invaluable relationships with my patients, their families and my colleagues.”

Ontario Institute for Cancer Research

The  is a collaborative institute that conducts and enables high-impact translational cancer research. OICR offers co-op experiences where students contribute to cutting-edge cancer research. Students work on impactful projects in genomics, bioinformatics and diagnostics. They often lead initiatives that influence clinical outcomes.

OICR supports students with structured mentorship, cross-training, conference opportunities and inclusive workplace practices. Programs like the Mentorship Program, EDI workshops and access to national research networks foster both technical and personal growth. Students are empowered to lead, innovate and represent OICR at conferences and public events, making their experience meaningful and career-defining.

Student quotes:

  • “I never had to worry about proving myself to my team, since they already believed in me.”
  • “OICR created an incredible environment to facilitate maximal growth—an atmosphere that I am so incredibly lucky to have benefited from.”
  • “My work felt valued, and I was given the opportunity to grow as a scientist.”
  • “The skills, experiences and relationships I built at OICR will definitely continue to benefit me throughout the rest of my career.”

Sony Interactive Entertainment – PlayStation

 is a global leader in interactive and digital entertainment. It provides co-op experiences where students are empowered to lead real projects, contribute to global products and grow in a supportive, innovative environment. Students receive structured onboarding, one-on-one mentorship and access to professional development. They participate in workshops, hackathons and work with colleagues across departments at SIE-PlayStation.

The culture emphasizes inclusion, creativity and fun with events like game nights and escape rooms. Students work on high-impact features, such as PS5 UI and mobile app monetization alongside full team members. Many students return for multiple terms or transition into full-time roles, reflecting the program’s lasting impact.

Student quotes:

  • “They gave me real ownership, real responsibility and the chance to make an impact that lasted.”
  • “I was never ‘just a co-op’—I was treated as a full member of the team whose contributions mattered.”
  • “Mentorship wasn’t formalized or forced—it happened naturally.”
  • “PlayStation didn’t just give me an internship, they gave me a place to lead, to grow, and to make a real difference.”

Step 2: Submit your vote

List of nominees are in no particular order. Before you vote, remember to review the nominees and their impact.

Your vote for Impact on Student Experience Award
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