Business and Education Partnership of Waterloo Region

Meet our Speakers Bureau volunteer, Ashley Binkle, Golf Course Superintendent.

Our volunteer Speakers Bureau enables Waterloo Region educators and schools to connect with inspirational guest speakers from the local workforce quickly and easily. Every day our volunteers provide a spark of inspiration for students and help them make better career choices.

EDUCATORS, learn more about booking this volunteer speaker: https://www.bepwr.ca/career-profile/ashley-binkle

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🎓

As you celebrate this milestone and look ahead to what's next, remember that you don't need to have everything figured out right away.

Some of the most meaningful opportunities come from staying curious, trying new experiences, asking questions, and being open to unexpected paths.

Whether you're heading to college, university, an apprenticeship, the workforce, or still exploring your options, we hope you continue discovering what inspires you and what possibilities lie ahead.

Congratulations on all you've accomplished, and best wishes for the journey ahead.

A note from Charlotte Birnstihl after her last day with BEP.

“Over the past two months, I have had the opportunity to attend 18 community events, meet inspiring students, volunteers, educators, community leaders, and partners, and capture the stories and moments that helped showcase the impact of BEP’s work across Waterloo Region.

It’s been a whirlwind! I’ve contributed by creating 44 social media posts, 6 blog posts, 2 newsletters, managing a video shoot, doing website updates and attending many networking events. A real highlight for me was a fascinating plant tour of BWXT Canada as part of our Trades PD program, and being able to end off by attending the BEP’s big year celebration Impact Social event.

Thank you to the BEP team and everyone I had the opportunity to meet along the way. I’ve truly enjoyed my time with BEP and am grateful for you investing in me and giving me the experiences, connections, and lessons that made these past eight weeks so meaningful. The work climate is very challenging right now, and as a young person working towards securing a full time career in my field, I am very grateful for this opportunity to strengthen my foundation and help me succeed in the job market.”

The Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program helps strengthen your organization and empower the next generation. For more info visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/canada-summer-jobs.html

Today we want to thank Charlotte Birnstihl who is wrapping up a 2 month position with BEP, funded through the Canada Summer Jobs program. Charlotte, the effort and expertise you contributed to our communications helped us grow involvement from more participants and volunteers during the busy months of May and June. Thanks to you, more young people in Waterloo Region had meaningful opportunities to explore and prepare for the world of work!

One conversation can change the way a student sees their future.

This year, our Speakers Bureau connected youth with professionals from across Waterloo Region, creating opportunities for students to ask questions, explore possibilities, and hear firsthand what different career journeys can look like.
We're taking a look back at the highlights, impact, and stories that made this year so meaningful.

🔗 Read the full blog on our website. (Link in bio - bepwr.ca/blog)

Thank you to everyone who shared their time, experiences, and expertise with the next generation.

As another school year comes to a close, we'd like to extend our sincere thanks to the educators, school administrators, support staff, and school boards Waterloo Region District School Board across Waterloo Region who help make career exploration possible for students every day.

From opening classroom doors to welcoming volunteers and supporting meaningful opportunities, your partnership plays an important role in helping young people explore their interests, discover new possibilities, and make connections to their future.

Thank you for your dedication, support, and commitment to student success. We are grateful to work alongside you and look forward to continuing this important work together.

With the final volunteer opportunities of the school year now complete, we're taking a moment to recognize and thank this week's incredible volunteers.

By sharing your time, expertise, and experiences, you've helped students explore new possibilities, build confidence, and gain valuable insights into their future pathways.

Thank you for supporting youth across Waterloo Region and helping make this year so impactful. 💙

What if this was the summer you finally went for it?

The Youth Creativity Fund provides up to $1,000 to help young people in Waterloo Region bring their ideas to life.

Start a project. Launch a club. Host an event. Build an app. Create something meaningful. Make an impact in your community.
You don't need to have all the answers — just an idea and the motivation to get started.

Applications are open. Learn more youthcreativityfund.ca

What does a career in civic leadership look like?

Last night, Waterloo Region youth were treated to an incredible panel of some of our finest local community leaders who shared their career journey's in the civic career space.

A big thank you to our panelists: (Left to Right)
Nathan Hughes - Primary Care Paramedic, Training Specialist
Colleen James M.Ed - Regional Councillor
Mike Morrice - Deputy Leader, Green Party of Canada
Melissa Durrell - CEO, Durrell Communication

From public service, emergency services, community engagement, and municipal leadership our panelists shared their insights, lessons learned, and advice for the next generation.

We are also grateful to for partnering with us to create opportunities for meaningful career exploration and connection.