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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.

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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 provide 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!

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Meet our team

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

April Albano

Executive Director

"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

Director of Operations

“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."

Alethea Robinson

Program Manager - Youth Innovation

"Empowering the next generation of innovators requires dedication, creativity, and a commitment to inclusive growth. At the BEP, I am passionate about guiding youth to explore their potential and drive impactful change in their communities."

Chelsea Leybourne

Program Coordinator

"My professional experience in hospitality and events has always revolved around people, understanding their needs, creating memorable experiences, and supporting them through important decisions. Supporting the next generation as they find their place in the world is an incredible privilege, and I’m grateful to be part of their journey."

Sarah Keeler

Program Lead

"While young people today face many challenges, it’s a privilege to be supporting them as they discover their innate potential and the positive impacts they can bring to their communities and the world. I’m thrilled to be contributing my non-profit expertise in youth engagement, empowerment and equity to BEP, helping thousands of young people confidently find their future paths, and working with an incredible and dedicated team of educators and volunteers."

Sarah Charteris

Communications Manager

"Finding your path in life is a big journey, and I love being a part of the bridge that connects students to their next step. With a focus on marketing and events, I’m dedicated to building meaningful opportunities where the classroom meets the real world. I find so much joy in bringing people together and coordinating events that can genuinely change a person’s perspective or career trajectory. For me, it’s all about creating a welcoming space for discovery and helping our region’s future talent find where they belong."

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

Join Us

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

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