This innovative program connects employers like you with post-secondary students for short-term, impactful projects. Here's what you need to know to get started:

Key details about this Level UP cohort

Projects and timelines.

- Each project is 60 hours per student

- Each project is limited to 3 students

- Students will apply to projects between October 14-24. They can have 4 active applications at a time. Once an employer accepts their application, that is the project they will complete.

- This cohort's projects start by October 27, 2025.

Engagement and mentorship.

- As a project host, you provide at least 5 hours of mentorship, which includes the kickoff call, instructions, feedback, and support.

Flexibility and funding.

- Projects are open to students at all levels of post-secondary education. Be clear about your project's requirements and scope to attract the right talent.

- You can host one project, and up to two students can work on it individually.

- Riipen pays students $1,400 CAD for successfully completing each project.

Making your project appealing.

To attract students, provide a clear and concise project description. Highlight the level of experience required and outline the scope of work effectively. A well-defined project increases your chances of having students self-assign promptly.

For further details, visit our Level UP Knowledge Centre. If you have questions, click the avocado icon in the bottom-right corner of your Riipen dashboard to contact support—we’ll respond within two business days.

Projects require clearly defined deliverables outlined in the project description. Deliverables include the working documents and the final project uploaded for review and payment. This may encompass source code, presentations, marketing materials, etc.

To validate completion, students submit deliverables as uploaded files with a reflection note. Tangible proof or samples of completed work are necessary, with redacted deliverables if under a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).