Skilled, motivated students from Thompson Rivers University ready to support your business. Level UP connects you with post-secondary students from across Canada who are eager to apply what they’re learning in the classroom to real-world challenges. These students are motivated, curious, and looking to grow. They bring fresh perspectives and emerging skills to your project. Students work on 60-hour, short-term projects and are paid a $1,400 stipend directly by Riipen, thanks in part to the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning (I-WIL) Initiatives program. This means there’s no cost to you. Level UP makes it easy to tackle meaningful tasks, test ideas, or explore new opportunities with the support of engaged, early-career talent—while helping the next generation of professionals grow. Project timeline: Request to match your project: May 12 - June 6, 2025 Program administrators will review all requests and let you know if changes are needed to set the project up for success. Students invited to join: June 16, 2025 Students apply to projects: June 16 - June 27, 2025 Student will apply to projects. You must review applications and accept your team(s) during this period. Max project start date: July 7, 2025 Max project end date: August 29, 2025 For more program details, see our landing page for employers

This experience supports students participating in the TRU Business Bootstrap Program and Research to Venture Program by offering them a structured, credit-eligible entrepreneurship sprint. Over the summer, students will develop and present their business ideas in collaborative learning pods using Riipen. Each pod includes a student entrepreneur, 1–2 research assistants, and an employer mentor. Students will document their business development journey, conduct applied research, receive targeted feedback, and prepare for a final showcase presentation. Participants: There are 21 learning pods in total, each with 3–4 members. Entrepreneurs: Domestic students enrolled in Co-op 3300 (Work Term 1) Research Assistants: Domestic students in Research to Venture, contributing ~100 hours Mentors: Provided via TRU Generator, Venture Kamloops, etc. Learning Outcomes Students will: Gain hands-on business and research experience Apply entrepreneurial and analytical thinking Collaborate across disciplines in a real-world business context Practice pitching and presenting their venture Timeline May 14 @ 1:00 PM – Initial coordination meeting June 4 – Orientation & Riipen onboarding July 15 – Mid-term checkpoint / site visit August 31 – Final showcase presentation (poster & pitch) Funding Eligible participants will receive: $1800 Bootstrap Bursary (entrepreneurs only, if domestic) Undergraduate Research Certificate (for Research Assistants) Access to mentorship, workshops , and 100+ hours of research support

At Thompson Rivers University, student success is our priority. We empower our students to reach their goals with on-campus and online learning options, individualized student services, hands-on learning opportunities, and a diverse, inclusive environment. Thompson Rivers University is partnering with Level UP to provide eligible students internship opportunities to help develop real-world, in demand skills. Internships are hosted with Canadian employers who are eager to mentor the next generation of talent. Powered by Riipen, the leading online work-based learning marketplace, students are paid $1400 by Riipen for each 60-hour project completed over 2-8 weeks. Students can complete up to three projects if accepted by the employer. For TRU Students : Your program coordinators will provide you with an eligibility form to sign up for the experience. If eligible, you will be placed on our waitlist. Students will be invited into the experience from the waitlist in two cohorts - during the Fall and Winter semesters. The last day to complete projects is February 21, 2025. For Employers: You can match up to 2 projects per company. Students will begin applications in September and January. You must select and accept 1-5 teams per project. Regularly communicate with the students to ensure they submit their final deliverables within 2-8 weeks from their start date and no later than February 21, 2025. *Note that this experience is limited to 179 spots. Once 179 matches are made, the experience will close to applications.

Learner Capabilities Our Supply Chain Management students bring a strong foundation in logistics, procurement, operations, and inventory management, combined with hands-on experience using industry-relevant tools such as Excel, SAP, Power BI, and supply chain modeling software. Learners are equipped to analyze data, optimize processes, and develop practical solutions to real-world challenges. By working with our students, companies can expect: Analytical Problem Solving : Learners can conduct supply chain assessments, identify inefficiencies, and propose data-driven improvements. Process Optimization : Students apply lean principles and process mapping to streamline workflows and reduce costs. Inventory & Logistics Support : They are capable of developing inventory tracking systems, forecasting demand, and analyzing transportation logistics. Supplier Evaluation & Procurement Strategy : Learners understand sourcing strategies and can assist with supplier selection, evaluation, and cost analysis. Professional Communication : All students are trained in presenting findings, writing executive summaries, and collaborating effectively in teams. Partnering with our learners offers companies fresh insights, actionable recommendations, and the opportunity to mentor the next generation of supply chain professionals.