Riipen announces a new partnership with Centennial College through the support and investment of RBC Future Launch to boost student career readiness.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Vancouver, BC (August 7, 2025) – Riipen, the leading work-integrated learning platform, is thrilled to announce its partnership through 2028 with Centennial College, an institution renowned for its innovative programming, commitment to inclusivity, and leadership in global citizenship. This partnership, supported by the RBC Future Launch program, is one of the ways RBC is delivering on its ambition to equip people with the skills for a thriving future. The platform is helping enhance career readiness for Centennial students by providing flexible real-world experiences, access to valuable industry connections, and the integration of cutting-edge experiential learning practices.

Flexible learning for a changing labour market.

Centennial College has a storied legacy of empowering learners to thrive in a competitive workforce by fostering innovation, equity, and collaboration. This partnership supports the college’s goals of embedding work-integrated learning (WIL) into its programs, creating a transformative educational experience for students. By leveraging Riipen’s platform, Centennial aims to deepen its ties to Ontario-based industry while supporting educators with tools that bring applied learning into the classroom. This approach ensures that learners graduate with the critical skills, confidence, and adaptability required to excel in their careers in an ever-changing labour market.

Equipping students with the skills for a thriving future. 

RBC Future Launch, a 10-year, $500 million commitment to supporting youth for the future of work, was a critical launchpad for this partnership, providing Centennial College with the resources to expand and enhance work-integrated learning opportunities. 

By leveraging Riipen’s innovative platform, Centennial College instructors can easily integrate industry projects, capstones, and project-based internships into their programs. This approach not only enriches the student learning experience but also helps ensure they are well-equipped to meet the demands of an evolving workforce.

Key benefits of this partnership include:

• Expanded connections: Centennial learners gain access to diverse organizations and professionals, building networks that help drive career growth.
• Practical curriculum integration: Educators enrich courses with real-world projects aligned to industry needs.
• Enhanced skill development: Students can develop problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills through applied learning.
• Industry-aligned opportunities: Projects reflect current challenges, preparing learners for today’s workforce.
• Mentorship: Students receive guidance from industry professionals, helping to strengthen career trajectories.
• Community engagement: Through project-based work, learners can provide fresh insights and create value for local community partners, offering support for local initiatives and driving value.

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Strengthening career pathways through strategic collaboration.

Dana Stephenson, CEO and Co-Founder of Riipen, shared: “We are proud to partner with Centennial College, a leader in inclusive and transformative education. Together, we’re equipping students with the tools they need to navigate an evolving job market, ensuring they graduate with the confidence and skills to help them succeed. Experiential learning not only prepares students for meaningful careers but also can cultivate a more engaged and productive workforce, strong citizenship, and fulfilling professional lives. This partnership represents a shared commitment to help bridge the gap between education and industry in meaningful, impactful ways.”

Dr. Craig Stephenson, President and CEO of Centennial College, added: “At Centennial, we pride ourselves on introducing our students to work-integrated learning experiences as an integral part of their learning experience, such that when they graduate, they are industry-ready, confident, experienced, and knowledgeable. Our partnership with Riipen, supported by the RBC Future Launch program, does exactly that - connecting our students within the communities they will serve and equipping them with the skills and competencies required to help them excel in the workplace.”

A vision for the future.

Centennial College and Riipen share a vision of empowering learners with real-world experiences that foster adaptability and excellence. This partnership sets a benchmark for institutions seeking to enhance career readiness and community engagement.

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About Riipen

Riipen is the world’s leading online work-integrated learning platform and ecosystem, aiming to end underemployment and close the skills gap. Riipen partners with governments, colleges, universities, and short-cycle training providers to provide authentic, accessible online training for employment-focused skills and technical/professional proficiency. Riipen has successfully and proudly implemented 18.4 million hours of learning hours through over 272,000 learning experiences with more than 44,000 employers and 700 academic partnerships, portals, and training providers in 9 countries, in both English and French.

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About Centennial College

Centennial College, founded in 1966, is Ontario's first public college. Anchored primarily in the eastern part of the Greater Toronto Area, the College is renowned for its outstanding teaching, creative curriculum, and robust network of partnerships. Centennial annually welcomes thousands of full-time and part-time students from across the GTA, Canada, and the world. These students pursue their education in diploma, certificate, and degree programs across various fields, including business, media, arts, community and consumer services, engineering technology, health care, and transportation. For more information, visit Centennial College.

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Media contacts:

Riipen

Jennifer Lussier, Content Marketing Specialist

Email: jennifer.lussier@riipen.com

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Centennial College

Michelle Ervin, Manager, Media Relations

Email: mervin@centennialcollege.ca

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