CIBC Navigator Program
Chart Your Own Path
The CIBC Navigator Program at the University of Lethbridge enhances co-operative education accessibility for students with disabilities (SWD). Through CIBC's support, the program provides comprehensive resources and accommodations to boost academic and professional success, welcoming all students registered with the University's Accommodated Learning Centre.
The program also builds strategic partnerships with employers to develop quality co-operative education placements, ensuring meaningful opportunities that benefit both students with disabilities and participating organizations while providing ongoing support throughout the placement process.
Program Benefits
Student Benefits
- Students participating in the CIBC Navigator Program actively engage in transformative learning experiences via their work-terms
- SWD have reported an increase in social and community connection, bringing a greater sense of belonging
- SWD's have also reported an increase in personal well-being through positive self-identity, sense of purpose and confidence
- Navigator students expressed increased engagement with academic and professional learnig overall
- Navigator students have a better chance of gaining meaningful employement after graduation
- Students developed technical and work-ready skills, an understanding of how to effectively self-advocate, developed personal and professional confidence and employment competencies
Employer Benefits
- Access to a diverse talent pool of highly motivated students who bring unique perspectives and problem-solving approaches to your workplace
- Utilize a one-of-a-kind wage subsidy that helps relieve some of the financial stress of hiring and training a new student employee
- Comprehensive program support throughout the placement process, including guidance on workplace accommodations and best practices for inclusive employment
- Opportunity to enhance organizational diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
Notable Program Successes
- Since 2019, 8 students with disabilities have participated in Co-operative education or Work Integrated Learning experiences due to CIBC funding.
- In 2022, 2 students completed 3 semesters and received the Co-op designation on their degree
- 7 Employer Partners participants located in Lethbridge and Calgary
How Do Students Access The Program?
Are you a student registered with the Accessible Learning Centre (ALC) and identifies with having a disability? If so you are eligible to have your work-integrated learning placement subsidized by the Navigator Program! If you are a SWD but have not registered as such with the Accessible Learning Centre, you can click the following link and being the process of doing so, enabling you to benefit from the program
If you have further questions about if you as a student or employer qualify for the CIBC Navigator Program and its funding, book an appointment on MyExperience with a WIL Instructor at the Career Bridge!