External awards 2026
Each year, the Institute for Co-operative Education honours exceptional students by nominating them for distinguished Quebec and Canadian work-integrated learning awards. We are delighted to showcase the outstanding nominees for 2026.
Our nominees for the 2026 CEWIL Awards
The CEWIL Student of the Year Awards recognizes exceptional students whose work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences have made significant contributions to their workplaces, institutions, and communities. In 2026, the Institute nominated 2 students to represent Concordia for this award.
The CEWIL Student of the Year Award (work-integrated learning)
Jonathan Sztainberg, Mechanical Engineering, Career Edge
Jonathan Sztainberg was nominated this student for Student of the Year in recognition of his academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and leadership, both in and beyond the classroom. With a stellar GPA, cutting-edge interdisciplinary research in bioelectronics and MEMS technology through an international co-op in Germany, and a strong record of student leadership—from founding Concordia’s first engineering nuclear society to leading successful community blood drives—he embodies the transformative potential of experiential learning. His continued commitment to research, mentorship, and promoting innovative co-op pathways for other students makes him a truly outstanding representative of the Concordia community.
The CEWIL Student of the Year Award (co-op)
Antoine Bourassa, Aerospace engineering
Antoine Bourassa was nominated for Student of the Year because he exemplifies the very best of work integrated learning through exceptional academic achievement, professional excellence, and meaningful leadership. With a near perfect GPA, outstanding success in highly competitive internships at Pratt & Whitney and FTI Consulting, and a full time offer from McKinsey & Company, Antoine has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and excellence across both technical and non traditional engineering pathways. Just as importantly, he has given back to the Concordia community by mentoring peers, leading student consulting initiatives, and serving as a powerful ambassador for co-op education, inspiring other students to embrace experiential learning.
Our nominees for the 2026 Réseau AIT awards
The Gilles Joncas award
Through the Gilles-Joncas scholarship, the Réseau AIT (Apprentissage intégrée au travail) aims to recognize the commitment of a student during their work terms as part of their university co-operative education program. In 2026, the Institute nominated 2 students to represent Concordia for this award:
Parham Delfanabazari, Actuarial Mathematics/Finance
Antoine Bourassa, Aerospace Engineering
The Perseverance award
Through the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec, the Réseau AIT aims to recognize the perseverance of one college-level student and one university-level student in relation to their studies, within the context of their work term or work terms. In 2026, the Institute nominated 2 students to represent Concordia for this award: