Waterloo is home to the world’s largest co-op program, supporting 26,000 students each year. Co-op isn’t just experience—it’s impact. Every $1 invested generates $2.20 in economic output, and co-op supports 3,700+ jobs annually across Ontario alone.
Give to Co-operative and Experiential Education Now
What if your donation could give a student a meaningful co-op experience, and change how they see the world?
Through Change Makers in Co-op, Waterloo students take on roles with nonprofits and charities — locally and abroad — tackling real challenges in education and community development that connect directly to their studies and career interests.
These experiences are unique. Over the course of a four-month work term, students wear multiple hats, see the tangible impact of their work, and develop perspectives that shape them into future leaders.
Too often, these opportunities remain out of reach. Many nonprofit roles don’t provide the financial support students need, whether due to limited funding, local wage conditions abroad, or the nature of grassroots work at home.
Your donation directly supports a student for a four-month work term, and the organization and community they serve. And when that student returns to Waterloo, they bring back new skills, insight, and perspective that strengthen our entire community.
This Giving Day, Michael and Stacey Steele, through the Steele Family Foundation, are leading by example with a $25,000 matching gift, inviting others to join a growing community of donors supporting students who are eager to make a difference in a sector that needs their talent and passion.
As long-time supporters of Waterloo and champions of student opportunity, the Steele family believes in creating experiences that shape not just careers, but character. Their commitment reflects a simple idea: co-op experiences in the nonprofit sector give students firsthand insight into the challenges and complexity we face—preparing them as future leaders. Donor support makes these experiences possible, bridging the gap between what organizations can provide and what students can afford.
This fund gives Co-op the flexibility to act upon urgent needs and seize new opportunities to support students on co-op and programs like WE Accelerate and Co-op for Community. Your donation will directly impact students, helping them gain valuable experiences and skills and build connections.