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 $1,000 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 is eligible?
To be eligible to apply for the Sask Polytech Co-op Student of the Year award, a student must have successfully completed one or more co-op work terms in 2025 and the academic semesters before them. The student must be in good academic standing.
How to apply
Applications open on September 1, 2025, and close on January 31, 2026.
Submit your application by January 15, 2026, to also be considered for the CEWIL Canada Co-op Student of the Year award.
1. Create the following documents
- An essay explaining "What co-op education has meant to me”. Include the value of co-op education to your education and career. Tell us what you have learned. This is marked on content as well as grammar and spelling. Preferred 500 words or less.
- An updated professional resume.
- A paragraph answering the interview question “Tell us about yourself”. This could include things such as where you grew up, other education, employment, motivation for entering this program, etc. Preferred 100 words or less.
- A paragraph about highlights of your co-op experience. Tell us what sets you apart from other students. This may include but not be limited to: Challenging projects, community involvement, awards/nominations, mentorship/training/leadership, challenges and barriers, exceptional work. Preferred 100 words or less.
2. Gather the following documents
- A letter of support. A letter from your employer is preferred, but we will accept a letter from someone who knows your work skills and contributions, if your employer is unavailable.
- A copy of your most recent transcript.
3. Fill out the application form
- This includes your personal information and approvals.
- You can copy and paste your two paragraphs that you prepared above (Tell us about yourself and highlights of work term).
- Attach the rest of the documents (your essay, resume, employer’s letter and transcript).
- Click submit.
- Email coopeducation@saskpolytech.ca to inform us that you have applied.
Winners
2024 Co-operative Education Student of the Year
Olivia Haidl, Architectural Technologies diploma
Congratulations to Olivia Haidl, our Co-op Student of the Year for 2024.
Olivia recently finished her Architectural Technologies diploma at Moose Jaw campus and her co-op experiences have been diverse and enriching. She completed work terms at the RCMP depot, Brandt and JCK Engineering. Each term offered unique challenges and learning opportunities, from working on commercial buildings to small renovation projects. Haidl is excited to return as a member of the JCK Engineering team.
2023 Co-operative Education Student of the Year
Edzabeth Ortega, Business Diploma
Congratulations to Edzabeth Ortega, our Co-op Student of the Year for 2023. Edzabeth has just finished her Business diploma with a management specialization, undertaking her three co-operative work terms with Saskatoon-based electrical, automation and manufacturing services company Team Power Solutions. The international student from Venezuela has been a strong leader within her program and for other international students, as well as with Team Power Solutions who have now hired her as a permanent member of their team.
2022 Co-operative Education Student of the Year
Ryan Squire, Engineering Design and Drafting Technology
Ryan Squire is our Co-op Student of the Year for 2022. Ryan has just completed his Engineering Design and Drafting Technology diploma at the Moose Jaw campus. He completed all three of his co-operative work terms with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s asset management team in Regina. Ryan credits this experience with giving him the skills to be successful in and Computer Aided Design (CAD) department.
2021 Co-operative Education Student of the Year
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.
2020 Co-operative Education Student of the Year
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.
2019 Co-operative Education Student of the Year
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!
2018 Co-operative Education Student of the Year
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.
Prior to 2018
2017: Kiara Brost, Business (Information Systems)
2016: Kayla Anderson, Business (Human Resources)
2015: Justin Lefebvre, Instrumentation Engineering Technologies
2014: Asim Cheema, Business (Accountancy)
2013: Tayler LaBelle, Architectural Technologies
2012: Nicole Kreklevich, Business (Marketing)
2011: Meagan MacLean, Business (Marketing)
2010: Madison Miller, Business (Human Resources)
2009: Gregory Gatin, Business (Human Resources)
2008: Elyse Sitzer, Architectural Technologies
2007: Ashlyn Moore, Accountancy
2006: David Miliken, Water Resources Engineering Technology
2005: Yixiang Wang, Electrical Engineering Technology
2004: Leland Kreklewich, Accountancy
2003: Kimberly D. Timbers, Architectural Technologies