SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC
Saskatchewan Polytechnic Business program and Saskatchewan Roughriders host case competition

High school students competed for a chance to win tuition credit and Saskatchewan Roughriders experiences // Image Credit: Saskatchewan Polytechnic 

Representatives from Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Business diploma program and the Saskatchewan Roughriders joined forces to host a case competition for 216 high school students. Students from 23 Saskatchewan high schools competed for a chance to win over $35,000 in prizes, including tuition towards Sask Polytech's Business diploma program and Saskatchewan Roughriders experiences. 

In teams of three-to-four, high school students were tasked with creating and presenting proposals aimed at attracting new Canadians to engage with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Canadian football. Their goal was to come up with innovative and creative ideas to encourage ticket purchases and attendance at Saskatchewan Roughrider games. Their ideas were evaluated by a panel of judges from the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Sask Polytech.

"We are thrilled to partner with the Saskatchewan Roughriders on this exciting event to showcase the value of a polytechnic education and unite part of Rider Nation," says Stephen Kirzinger, program head for the Business diploma sport management specialty. "Work-integrated learning opportunities like this provide students with valuable real-world experience to enhance their resumes and expand their professional networks. This hands-on competition invited students to generate innovative ideas to connect new Canadians with Rider Nation. It exemplifies the kind of work-integrated learning experiences available at Sask Polytech. Thank you to all the high school teachers and students who participated and congratulations to the competition winners!"

"We were truly blown away by the creativity and ingenuity shown by all the students who participated in the competition," said Jacqueline Hurlbert, director of Marketing and Fan Engagement. "As a Club, we feel it's important to invest in the next generation of leaders and innovators, the next generation of Rider Nation, and we are thankful to Sask Polytech for the opportunity to engage students from across the province."

"This event truly reflects the power of collaboration not only with the Saskatchewan Roughriders but also within our own Sask Polytech team," says Kristen Craig, dean of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship. "Our faculty and staff worked closely together to bring this competition to life, creating a seamless, engaging experience for high school students. By participating in this event, students gain hands-on business experience and valuable connections, giving them a strong foundation for their future careers."

By partnering with a premier Canadian sports organization like the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Sask Polytech is able to offer an exciting and unique learning experience to high school students across the province. By providing a platform for young minds to showcase their potential, this partnership aims to inspire and empower the next generation of business professionals.

First place:

F.W. Johnson Collegiate - Regina
Each team member will receive: 
- $2,500 tuition scholarship to the Business diploma delivered through Moose Jaw campus.
- A free online dual credit course in the Business diploma program for the winter 2025 semester, valued at $400.
- $100 Saskatchewan Roughriders gift card. 
- The Saskatchewan Roughriders will host the winning team in a suite at a game during the 2025 season. 
- Team members will have dinner with Saskatchewan Roughriders executive team members.

Second place:

Holy Cross High School - Saskatoon
Each team member will receive: 
- $2,000 tuition scholarship to the Business diploma delivered through Moose Jaw campus.
- A free online dual credit course in the Business diploma program for the winter 2025 semester, valued at $400.
- $100 Saskatchewan Roughriders gift card. 

Third place:

Yorkton Regional High School - Yorkton 
Each team member will receive: 
- $1,500 tuition scholarship to the Business diploma delivered through Moose Jaw campus.
- A free online dual credit course in the Business diploma program for the winter 2025 semester, valued at $400.
- $100 Saskatchewan Roughriders gift card. 

Fourth place:

Centennial Collegiate - Saskatoon
Each team member will receive: 
- A free online dual credit course in the Business diploma program for the winter 2025 semester, valued at $400.
- $100 Saskatchewan Roughriders gift card. 

Fifth place:

Campbell Collegiate - Regina
Each team member will receive: 
- A free online dual credit course in the Business diploma program for the winter 2025 semester, valued at $400.
- $100 Saskatchewan Roughriders gift card. 

Sask Polytech's two-year Business diploma program provides students with a strong grounding in fundamental business principles while offering the option to focus on specific areas of expertise. The first year provides a well-rounded foundation in core business concepts, while the second year allows students to specialize in one of the following fields: accountancy, financial services, human resource, insurance, management, marketing, municipal administration and sport management. Sask Polytech's business students are tomorrow's accountants, financial officers, marketing managers, insurance brokers, human resources specialists, sport managers, municipal administrators and entrepreneurs.

Learn more about Sask Polytech's Business diploma program and dual credit programs. Many of the Business diploma specialties  provide opportunities for Co-operative Education work placements.