RBC and Riipen expand experiential learning partnership for youth across Canada

As part of this partnership expansion, RBC Future Launch will support the delivery of 6,000 new work-integrated learning experiences across Canada.

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‍Toronto, October 15, 2020 - Riipen, the world's leading work-integrated learning platform, is proud to announce Phase II of our partnership with RBC Future Launch. During Phase I, more than 5,400 youth across Canada at 14 post-secondary institutions were able to gain valuable work experience as a result of this partnership. 

Starting this fall, Phase II will expand the partnership’s reach by including an additional 16 post-secondary education institutions across Canada and delivering over 6,000 additional student experiences over the next year. RBC Future Launch’s and Riipen’s shared mission is to provide students across Canada with the opportunity to develop the skills and experience they need to thrive in the future of work. 

Feedback from students in Phase I spoke to the power of giving students access to work-integrated learning so they can build confidence and career clarity early on. “The opportunity to work with willing companies and interact with senior officials within those companies gave me confidence that I don’t think other places could have replicated,” said Rizza Tongco, a student in Business Administration at Red River College. 

“RBC Future Launch is dedicated to empowering Canadian youth, and ensuring that youth have the tools and experience to thrive in the future world of work,” said Mark Beckles, Senior Director, Youth Strategy & Innovation, RBC. “We know that hands on, experiential learning is  critical to getting those all-important first jobs and breaking the ‘no experience, no job’ cycle, and we are excited to expand our partnership with Riipen so that it can positively impact even more young people in Canada.” 

“As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, youth unemployment rates in Canada are at a historic  high reaching almost 30 percent in May 2020. Students who are graduating now need to be prepared to be resilient and adaptive problem-solvers,” said Dana Stephenson, CEO of Riipen.  “With this additional support from RBC Future Launch, we are able to offer students the confidence, career clarity, and skills development in a way that supports small and medium businesses across Canada.” 

The following institutions will be included in Phase II of the partnership: 

• Cambrian College
• Emily Carr University of Art + Design 
• Georgian College
• Lakehead University 
• Lakeland College
• Laurentian University 
• Lethbridge College
• MacEwan University 
• Ontario Tech University
• St. Clair College
• Université du Québec à Montréal
• University College of the North
• University of Alberta
• University of Lethbridge
• University of Manitoba
• University of Saskatchewan
  

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Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 86,000+ employees who bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 17 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 34 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.‎

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About Riipen

Riipen is North America’s largest online work-integrated learning marketplace, where organizations of all sizes connect with educators to collaborate with university and college students on short-term projects and competitions. Their mission is to “enable all students from all backgrounds and geographies to access work-integrated experiential learning (WIEL) to support learners of all backgrounds to bridge the skills gap, gain career clarity, network with potential employers, and find jobs they love."