Cooperative Education & Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada has launched an Innovation Hub, funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative (I-WIL). The CEWIL iHUB provides grant-based funding to enable and promote curricular work-integrated learning focusing primarily on four types of WIL: applied research/industry projects, entrepreneurial WIL, field placements, and service-learning WIL. The iHUB supports the advancement of, and innovation in, these forms of WIL, extends access to WIL, and ensures WIL projects are delivered with appropriate quality and learning standards for students.

Proposals need to have a minimum cost per student per opportunity of $200 and a maximum cost per student per opportunity of $2000 CAD. As the iHub is designed to support innovation in work-integrated learning, particularly innovation that leverages technology and expanding access to WIL, all project proposals must address one or more of the following key outcomes:

• Expanding access to WIL opportunities, particularly for under-represented students
• Removing barriers for students to participate in work-integrated learning
• Leveraging technology to enhance programming or extend access, including the use of technology to support virtual or remote WIL experiences
• Innovating work-integrated learning through new partnerships and new models for curricular WIL

As one of the core goals of the program is expanding access to WIL to under-represented populations, the iHub project has a specific focus on supporting Indigenous students, racialized Canadians, and persons with disabilities. Other under-represented groups for the purposes of the iHub project include women in STEM, newcomers, and rural and remote students. All projects must involve a Canadian community, post-secondary institution, government, or industry partner. Partners are required to contribute a minimum of 20% of the total project cost in cash or in-kind (e.g., supervision, mentoring, equipment, hosting events, etc.). 

For the purposes of iHub funding, eligible students include:

• Registered students in PSE institutions, with no age limit;
• Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and,
• Are legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with the relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.

There are two distinct streams of funding that may be eligible for funding. 

1. iHub General Project Stream: This stream is for both previously funded projects and new projects. If the project was previously funded, you will need to explain how student and/or partner feedback helped to expand or evolve the new project. Previously funded projects will be adjudicated alongside new projects. Previous funding does not guarantee the new proposal will be approved. funding for new WIL projects that have not previously received iHUB funding.  
2. Bursary Program Stream: This stream is for barrier reduction bursaries for students participating in a curricular WIL experience that is typically not remunerated. This program normally supports a high percentage of students who are from equity deserving groups in order to increase access to WIL opportunities. NOTE: There can be no project costs associated with the iHUB Bursary Program. If you have project costs for your iHUB project, please apply in the iHUB General Project Stream.

*NOTE: International/Visa students are not eligible to receive iHub funding. 

For updates related to CEWIL funding opportunities, and to view the application process and guide, please visit the CEWIL iHUB website.