Cenovus Energy Invests $2 Million to Enhance Student Success

Cenovus Energy has made a significant commitment to education by investing $2 million in student programs at the University of Alberta. This funding will benefit both the Faculty of Engineering and the Alberta School of Business, focusing on developing critical skills for the next generation of leaders in increasingly complex industries.

The investment will support the newly renamed Cenovus Energy Engineering Student Success Centre, which offers vital academic assistance to nearly 1,400 first-year engineering students. The center provides one-on-one tutoring and mock exams in subjects such as physics, math, and chemistry, all facilitated by graduate students. This support has proven crucial for students like Harold Kalinga, who remarked, “I truly do not believe I would have done nearly as well last year without the ESSC, especially in first semester.”

Director Peggy Jankovic highlighted the importance of this investment, stating, “When we offer the academic support they need, we see more students get placed in second-year programs and become great engineers.” The funding will also help expand a library of digital video resources to further assist students in their studies.

In parallel, the Alberta School of Business will utilize Cenovus’s funding to enhance experiential learning opportunities. This includes support for the Student Experience Fund, which facilitates study tours, case competitions, and student-led initiatives. The investment will also bolster the Cenovus Energy Impact Series, a program designed to engage students in addressing local community challenges.

Third-year student Maya Bezubiak exemplifies the program’s impact through her project focused on revitalizing Edmonton’s downtown core. Her team’s idea of transforming 104th Street into a pedestrian-only zone not only made it to the finals but also led to Bezubiak securing an internship with the Downtown Business Association. She noted that such projects provide invaluable experience, stating, “It’s about developing solutions and presenting them to people who can turn ideas into action.”

Professor Leo Wong, associate dean of education at the Alberta School of Business, emphasized the series’ structured approach to tackling urban challenges. “The idea is for them not to wait to graduate to get involved. We are leaning into the university’s promise of leading with purpose,” he said.

Cenovus Energy’s executive vice-president of corporate development and chief sustainability officer, Jeff Lawson, expressed pride in the partnership, stating, “Together, we’re enhancing academic outcomes for students today and helping shape a workforce that’s ready for the future of energy.”

This collaboration between the University of Alberta and Cenovus Energy is part of the university’s Shape The Future campaign. This initiative aims to enhance experiential learning, improve student facilities, and ensure access to various support services, including mental health and food assistance programs. The campaign aims to provide comprehensive support for students throughout their academic journey and beyond.

With this investment, Cenovus Energy not only contributes to the personal development of students but also strengthens the overall workforce in the energy sector, addressing the challenges of tomorrow through the leaders of today.