Co-operative Education Student of the Year
Every March, Saskatchewan Polytechnic presents the Co-operative Education Student of the Year Award. The award honours a co-op student who has demonstrated professional promise, academic achievement and practical application of theory.
In addition to a certificate of achievement and a cash award, winners earn bragging rights and a great highlight for their resume.
The award is part of National Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Month, an initiative led by Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada). CEWIL promotes the value of co-operative education programs at 79 universities, colleges and polytechnicals across Canada.
Who’s eligible?
To be eligible to apply for the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Co-op Student of the Year Award, you must have successfully completed one or more Co-op work terms and the academic semesters preceding them. Your application must include:
- completed application form (pdf)
- cover letter (maximum 500 words) explaining “What Co-op Education Has Meant to Me”
- copy of your resume and most recent official transcript
- letter of recommendation (preferably from a co-op employer)
How to apply
Applications for 2022 are closed. Please return in December for the 2023 application instructions.
Past winners
Laura Jensen, Business Information Systems
We are excited to announce that Laura Jensen is our Co-op Student of the year for 2021. Laura is a Business Information Systems student at the Moose Jaw Campus. She is a former teacher of math and science and has transferred those skills into success in her Saskatchewan Polytechnic program. Laura successfully completed her work term at Nutrien in a remote role. Upon returning to campus, she has developed into a leader in the classroom.
Starlene Hermanson, Business Information Systems
We are pleased to announce that the winner of the 2020 Co-op Student of the Year is Starlene Hermanson. Starlene is a second year Business Information Systems student. She is an exemplar student, achieving and maintaining an exceptionally high academic standing throughout her entire program. Starlene very successfully completed her work term at the Saskatchewan Health Authority and was highly regarded by her supervisor and colleagues. Starlene is an exceptional role model for other students and we are very proud to have her associated with the Co-op program.
Pauline Johnson, Business Information Systems
The 2019 Co-operative Education Student of the Year is Pauline Johnson, a full-time student enrolled in the Business Information Systems program. In 2019, Pauline completed a Co-operative Education work term with Westridge Construction. During her studies, Pauline has maintained a very high academic standing. Pauline is an excellent ambassador for both Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Co-operative Education!
Kyoungcheon Choi, Business Information Systems
The 2018 Co-operative Education Student of the Year is Kyoungcheon Choi, a full-time student in the Business Information Systems program. In 2018, Kyoungcheon completed a six-month work term with SaskTel in Regina. During his studies, Kyoungcheon achieved a very high academic standing. Kyoungcheon is an excellent ambassador both for Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Co-operative Education.
Kiara Brost, Business (Information Systems)
Kayla Anderson, Business (Human Resources)
Justin Lefebvre, Instrumentation Engineering Technologies
Asim Cheema, Business (Accountancy)
The 2015 Co-operative Education Student of the Year is Asim Cheema, a full-time student in the Business Accountancy diploma program at Moose Jaw Campus. In 2014, Asim completed three work terms with the Ministry of the Economy where he received strong recommendations for his exceptional work ethic and accounting acumen. Asim is currently in his fourth and final semester of studies at Moose Jaw Campus. His high academic standing, professional attitude, and extra-curricular volunteer activities make him a credit to Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
Tayler LaBelle, Architectural Technologies
The Co-operative Education Student of the Year is Tayler LaBelle, a full-time student in the Architectural Technologies program at Palliser Campus. Tayler has completed three academic semesters with a strong academic record and is currently on his second Co-op work term with an architectural consulting firm in Regina. Tayler received a very strong endorsement from his employer and has represented SIAST with strong technical and professional skills.
Tayler indicates that “Co-op has enabled me to apply directly all that I learn into the work place. It has given me the opportunity to network within my chosen field and has allowed me to experience what the industry is like in a variety of settings.”