Menu
Apply to a University
COU Association Website
Menu
Apply to a University
COU Association Website
Preparing for a rapidly changing economy through student-community partnerships
Across the province, Ontario university students are engaging with their communities and driving social and economic development in order to help create a better future for Ontario. Find out how partnerships between universities and communities are vital in ensuring both our students and province are better prepared for a rapidly changing future, ultimately creating a dynamic Ontario.
Retooling Ontario for Jobs and Growth through Advanced Manufacturing
When Bruce Power invited students from various Ontario universities to take part in a hackathon, the company didn’t anticipate such a positive outcome. James Scongack, Bruce Power’s Executive Vice-President, related the story of how students helped solve a specific problem the plant was facing within 24 hours during a recent panel discussion on Advanced Manufacturing: Building Ontario through Talent and Innovation, hosted by Ontario’s Universities at Queen’s Park.
Partnering for a Better Future for Advanced Manufacturing
Advanced manufacturing – the development of innovative technologies to create new products, enhance processes and establish more efficient ways of working – needs bold, new and transformative ideas. Ontario’s universities are building on the province’s strong manufacturing base and clusters of technology companies, while ensuring students have the skills, knowledge and experience they need to thrive in Ontario’s ever-evolving manufacturing sector.
Propel Initiative
Propel Initiative
Bringing on skilled university students is a great way to access some of Ontario’s top student talent. Propel Initiative connects small-medium sized enterprises and non-profits with tools and resources to help them access and manage our province’s best and brightest students to fit their needs.
Economic development
Partnering to drive economic development across Ontario
Ontario’s universities, in partnership with local communities, businesses and government, are well positioned to provide both immediate and lasting contributions to individuals, as well as to local and provincial economies, helping to build a strong economy that makes Ontario an attractive place to live and to invest.
2019 COUPN Awards
We are proud to celebrate some of Ontario's nursing educators and students for their dedication to delivering the highest-quality care to the people of Ontario, while strengthening the province's health-care system. Click the link below to learn more about the 2019 COUPN award winners.
Dedicated to the future of high-quality nursing in Ontario
From providing care at the bedside and in clinics, to leading teams, advocating for patients and families, educating the next generation of nurses, and conducting vital research, every person in the province has first-hand experience of how today’s nurses are a vital part of a health-care system that is finding new approaches to promoting good health and new ways to treat disease.
COU Statement: Response to Provincial Budget 2019
Ontario’s universities understand the fiscal challenges of the provincial government as they work towards restoring a balanced and responsible budget by 2023-2024. Our institutions will continue to operate as efficiently as possible, ensuring the tax dollars that are invested in universities bring the best possible return to the people of Ontario.
How universities are celebrating International Women’s Day across the province
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2019, Ontario’s universities are proud to host numerous events, discussions, activities and workshops to promote the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
Partnering to Build a Better Ontario: 2019 Pre-Budget Submission to the Ontario Government
This pre-budget submission details how government and universities can partner to tackle the priorities that matter most to the people of Ontario, like creating jobs, continuing to find efficiencies and cost savings and helping deliver better health care so we can build a more prosperous future for our students, communities and the province.
Ontario’s universities are actively working with their
partners on the issues that matter most to Ontarians.

We are partnering to grow the economy, to equip graduates with skills and experience for the jobs of the future, to improve health care so that Ontarians can lead longer and healthier lives, and to support life-changing ideas and discoveries through research and innovation.

Better Future
Better Future
Better Future
Making an Impact
Carleton University testing bluetooth navigation to help students with accessibility issues
Carleton University is launching a new pilot project to help students navigate the underground tunnel system.
News & Updates
September 05, 2019
Partnering for a Better Future for Student Mental Health
August 15, 2019
Partnering with Municipalities for a Better Future
Issues Ontarians'
Care About
We spent a year listening to what Ontarians had to say about their hopes, concerns, ideas and aspirations for the future. Through partnering with others, Ontario's universities are working together to attain those hopes, alleviate those concerns, and make those ideas a reality. Learn about our commitments to creating a better Ontario.
icon-jobs-skills-blue
Jobs and Skills
icon-jobs-skills-economy-blue
The Economy
icon-research-innovation-blue
Research and
Innovation
icon-healthcare-blue
Health Care
Icon-mental-health-blue
Mental Health
icon-community-blue
Building Strong
Communities
icon-access-blue
Access
icon-environment-blue
The Environment
icon-diversity-blue
Diversity
How We're Partnering for
a Better Future for Ontario
Ontario's universities are actively working with partners to ensure our students thrive, our communities are vibrant and our province remains dynamic.
Partnering to help Ontario
Ontarians Talk About
Their Future
2019 Pre-Budget Submission to the Ontario Government

This pre-budget submission details how government and universities can partner to tackle the priorities that matter most to the people of Ontario, like creating jobs, continuing to find efficiencies and cost savings and helping deliver better health care so we can build a more prosperous future for our students, communities and the province.

Read the Submission
For more reports, infographics and data, browse our resources section