Co-op Student of the Year Awards  – Faculty of Engineering
Two students working in a lab, one is in focus, one is not

Co-op Student of the Year Awards

Recognizing outstanding McMaster Engineering co-op students whose workplace achievements, personal growth and contributions to their communities demonstrate the impact of experiential learning. 

What is the Co-op Student of the Year Award? 

The Co-op Student of the Year Award recognizes outstanding undergraduate and graduate students in McMaster Engineering’s co-operative education program.

The award celebrates students who have demonstrated meaningful contributions in the workplace, strong personal and professional growth, and a commitment to McMaster and the broader community.

Recipients receive: 

  • A financial prize 
  • Recognition through Centre for Career Growth & Experience communications and publications 
  • A plaque 

Apply now

Nominations for the 2026 Co-op Student of the Year Awards are now open

The Co-op Student of the Year Award recognizes outstanding undergraduate and graduate students in the Engineering Co-operative Education program at McMaster University. 

Applications close on: November 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET

Apply now

Eligibility

To be eligible, students must: 

  • Be registered full-time in a McMaster Engineering undergraduate or graduate co-op program 
  • Have completed at least one registered co-op work term during the award year 
  • Be in good academic standing with the Faculty of Engineering 
  • Not have previously won the award 

Who can nominate?

Students may nominate themselves. 

Employer support is required as part of the nomination package.

Student working at a machine on a co-op

Selection Criteria

Candidates are evaluated on their impact across three key areas: 

Impact on Employer 

Contributions, achievements and performance in the workplace. 

Impact on Student 

Personal, academic and professional growth through co-operative education. 

Impact on Institution 

Contributions to McMaster University, co-operative education and the broader community. 

Two winners (one undergraduate student and one graduate student) are selected annually from the Faculty of Engineering.
EMBER students working around the computer
Before You Apply

Nomination Package Requirements

Preparing a nomination package takes time. Review the requirements early and work with your employer to gather supporting materials before the submission deadline. 

A signed letter from the co-op employer (maximum two pages) describing the student’s impact on the organization. 

The letter should address: 

  • Duties and responsibilities 
  • Performance relative to expectations or other co-op students 
  • Significant achievements and organizational impact 
  • Additional comments regarding character and work habits 

A one-page statement describing how the co-op experience contributed to personal, academic and professional growth. 

Suggested topics include: 

  • Reasons for participating in co-op 
  • Career and professional development 
  • Impact on understanding of the field of study 
  • Growth in confidence and professional readiness

A one-page statement describing contributions to McMaster University or co-operative education. 

Suggested topics include: 

  • Promoting co-op opportunities 
  • Supporting fellow students 
  • Mentorship activities 
  • Bringing workplace learning back to campus 

Submit a 150-word biography highlighting: 

  • Co-op experience 
  • Key accomplishments 
  • Contributions to the co-op community 

This biography may be used during award presentations and related communications.

Please submit: 

  • Resume (maximum two pages) 
  • Unofficial transcript 
  • Professional photo 

Co-op experiences should be clearly identified on the resume.

Students may submit additional materials such as: 

  • Articles 
  • Employer evaluations 
  • Letters of recommendation 
  • Published work 
  • Awards and recognitions 
  • Research excerpts 

Maximum two pages. 

Ready to apply?

Complete your nomination package and submit all required materials before November 30, 2026

Apply now

Questions?

For questions regarding eligibility, nomination requirements and/or the application process, please contact the Centre for Career Growth & Experience at engengagement@mcmaster.ca

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