Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is recognizing the Surrey Board of Trade for empowering young business talents and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and social responsibility.
Set to receive KPU's 2024 Community Impact Award, the Surrey Board of Trade (SBOT) has partnered with the Melville School of Business at KPU to implement work-integrated learning opportunities for business students through various projects, internship opportunities and course capstones.
"Our long-lasting partnership with the Surrey Board of Trade supports KPU's commitment to providing students with in-demand industry skills, practical knowledge and professional connections, enhancing the business education we offer," says Stephanie Howes, Dean at the Melville School of Business.
Presented annually, the KPU Community Impact Award recognizes individuals and organizations who are strong partners of the university and make a difference in regional communities.
"The Surrey Board of Trade is honoured to receive the Kwantlen Polytechnic University's Community Impact Award for 2024," says Anita Huberman, President and CEO, Surrey Board of Trade. "Thank you for recognizing our work to make Surrey an opportunity city for youth."
The 2024 Community Impact Award will be presented at KPU Community Day on May 25 at the KPU Tech campus in Cloverdale.
Randall Heidt, Vice-President, External Affairs at KPU, says the award is a way for the university to recognize those who actively contribute to making our communities better places to live, learn and grow.
"KPU is dedicated to fostering a strong relationship with the communities it serves," says Heidt. "KPU's relationship with Surrey Board of Trade is an example of how community partners can be real partners in education."
The Melville School of Business and SBOT have been partners for over 14 years. Together, they created numerous collaborative programs, allowing KPU students and faculty to work with local entrepreneurs on business and marketing cases. The partners recently introduced the Game Changer Business Series, a continuing education workshop tailored for SBOT members. The Melville School of Business has also been a long-term sponsor of Surrey's Top 25 Under 25 Awards, among other initiatives.
The Melville School of Business at KPU offers a variety of programs and courses in business management, accounting, economics, human resources, marketing and information technologies.
KPU Community Day is a free, annual event that takes place at different KPU campuses each year. It celebrates local communities, residents, KPU employees and students. The event features a variety of activities for all ages, encouraging attendees to connect and learn about KPU initiatives within their community. Guests are asked to register in advance.
