Premier’s Awards 2025- The Search Is On

We are once again inviting our SLC community to submit suggestions for the 2025 nominees.

With the changes in post-secondary education, Colleges Ontario award categories have been updated to align with provincial government priorities and to celebrate the impact and achievements of Ontario’s public college graduates. Please read the new categories carefully.

We are embracing this as an opportunity to recognize our graduates and highlight our outstanding alumni, who demonstrate how their college education has contributed to their success.

We are requesting the names of potential nominees by April 28, 2025

The Premier’s Awards are administered by Colleges Ontario and recognize graduates in the following seven categories:

• Entrepreneurship and Economic Development
• Workforce and Skilled Trades Advancement
• Healthcare and Community Well-being
• Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Innovation
• Community Advancement
• Cultural and Creative Achievement
• Bilingual Impact and Innovation

1. Entrepreneurship and Economic Development

This category celebrates graduates who fuel economic growth through business innovation, infrastructure development and entrepreneurship. Whether launching or expanding businesses, leading major projects or advancing industries, these individuals create jobs, foster innovation and ensure long-term economic resilience.

2. Workforce and Skilled Trades Advancement

Recognizing graduates who are shaping the future of skilled trades, this category highlights those making an impact in mechanical, electrical, automotive, manufacturing, building and service industries. Their efforts expand workforce training and employment opportunities, ensuring a strong and sustainable labour force.

3. Health Care and Community Well-being

This category honours graduates who are improving health care accessibility, strengthening frontline services and driving medical innovation or public health infrastructure. Their contributions build resilient health systems that support the long-term well-being of communities.

4. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Innovation

Honouring graduates pushing the boundaries of STEM through groundbreaking research, engineering solutions and technological advancements. Their work addresses local and global challenges in sustainable development, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and environmental innovation.

5. Community Advancement

Designed for graduates who are dedicated to creating safer, healthier and more inclusive communities, this category recognizes contributions in public safety, social services, addiction recovery and housing solutions. Their efforts improve quality of life and drive lasting social impact.

6. Cultural and Creative Achievement

This category honours graduates whose creativity and cultural contributions inspire communities and drive social change. This category highlights achievements in arts, media, design and cultural preservation, showcasing those who use creative expression to make a difference.

7. Bilingual Impact and Innovation

For graduates leveraging Canada’s two official languages to foster inclusion, strengthen industries and enrich communities, this category celebrates those making an impact. Their contributions bolster economies and deepen cross-cultural understanding through bilingual leadership and innovation.

Premier’s Award potential nominees form

Please provide your suggested nominee, along with brief details of your nominee’s accomplishments and reasons for consideration. As much as you can share! If your suggestion goes forward as a nominee, we will help develop the nomination and complete the application process.

With the cancellation of the Higher Education Summit this year, there will be changes to the Premier’s Awards. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please contact Kris Ward at kward@sl.on.ca.