What Can Riipen Level UP Fund: Complete Funding Guide
Riipen's Level UP program offers Canadian businesses and non-profit organizations the opportunity to engage top student talent through fully subsidized internships. These 60-hour projects are designed to provide businesses with fresh perspectives and innovative solutions while helping students gain valuable work experience. Understanding what Level UP can fund is crucial for maximizing the benefits of this program.
Program Funding Overview
Riipen Level UP is part of the Government of Canada's Innovative Work-Integrated Learning (I-WIL) Initiatives. The program is structured to offer funding in the form of fully subsidized student internships. Each project is designed to span 60 hours, providing businesses with the ability to tackle specific challenges through student collaboration. The funding covers a stipend for the student, which is paid directly by Riipen, ensuring no financial burden on the participating organizations.
Funding Amounts & Rates
Each approved Level UP project allows for a student to receive a stipend of $1,400 upon completion of the 60-hour internship. This stipend is fully covered by the program, making the internship financially accessible for employers. Organizations can host up to two projects concurrently, allowing them to engage multiple students and maximize their project outcomes.
Eligible Expenses
The Riipen Level UP program primarily covers the stipend paid to students participating in the internships. However, businesses can expect to benefit from additional project-related activities such as:
Student Stipend: The core expense covered, amounting to $1,400 per student per project completed.
Remote Work Infrastructure: While not directly funded, the program supports remote project execution, encouraging the use of digital tools like Google Meet and Zoom.
Professional Mentorship: Providing guidance and supervision to students is integral, allowing organizations to leverage the new skills and ideas brought in by the interns.
Ineligible Expenses
While the Riipen Level UP program provides substantial support for student stipends, certain expenses are not covered:
Operational Costs: General business operating expenses are not eligible for funding.
Equipment Purchases: Costs related to acquiring new hardware or software are not funded.
Travel Expenses: Any travel-related costs incurred during the project are not covered.
Expense Documentation Requirements
Organizations participating in the Level UP program must ensure proper documentation of project completion to facilitate stipend payments:
Project Completion Verification: Employers need to mark the project as complete on the Riipen platform to trigger stipend payment.
Communication Records: Keeping clear records of communications and project milestones is advised for transparency and accountability.
Examples of Funded Projects
Level UP projects can span various industries and sectors, providing flexibility in how organizations utilize student talent:
Technology Development: Companies have used student interns to develop prototypes or enhance existing software solutions.
Marketing Campaigns: Interns have contributed to designing and executing marketing strategies to reach new audiences.
Research Projects: Businesses have engaged students in conducting market research and data analysis to inform strategic decisions.
Funding Disbursement & Claiming Process
The stipend for each completed project is disbursed directly to the student by Riipen upon project completion verification by the employer. This streamlined process ensures that compensation is timely and linked to project success.
Stacking Rules
Riipen Level UP cannot be combined with other federal or provincial internship funding programs for the same project. However, organizations can leverage other non-conflicting funding sources for different aspects of their operations.
Real-World Budgeting Tips
To maximize the benefits of the Level UP program, consider the following strategies:
Integrate Intern Contributions: Align intern projects with strategic business goals to maximize value.
Plan for Remote Work: Utilize existing digital platforms to facilitate seamless remote interactions.
Leverage Student Innovation: Encourage interns to propose creative solutions to business challenges.
Conclusion
Riipen Level UP provides a unique opportunity for Canadian businesses and non-profits to access top student talent at no direct cost, thanks to the fully subsidized internship model. By understanding what expenses are eligible and how to effectively plan projects, organizations can maximize the program's benefits and drive innovation. Engage with the Level UP program to enhance your operations and invest in future talent.
