Carleton University partners with Nokia Canada to launch new awards for STEM students
Nokia Canada has invested in improving access to higher education for equity-deserving students pursuing studies related to telecommunications at Carleton University. This enters a new chapter of a multi-year partnership that reduces financial barriers, recognizes academic achievement and encourages future leaders to reach their potential.
Through a shared commitment to equity, opportunity, and the transformative power of education, Carleton University proudly announces a new five-year awards program with a gift of $150,000 from Nokia Canada. With Carleton ranked number 43 globally in Telecommunication Engineering by the Academic Ranking of World Universities, the awards strengthen access to a field in which the university is internationally recognized.
“Nokia has been a consistent and valued presence on Carleton’s campus for years — supporting student talent development, advancing equity, and strengthening the innovation ecosystem through employment, philanthropy and important conversations around emerging technology. We are truly grateful for this generous gift that creates opportunities for equity-deserving students to pursue degrees in STEM and achieve the future they imagine,” says Interim Chief Advancement Officer at Carleton, Corrie Hobin.
As of the 2025-26 academic year, students can apply for the Nokia Canada Future Forward Bursary and the Nokia Canada STEM Stars Scholarship, both providing up to $5,000 per recipient annually. Eligible students are those entering or continuing in an aligned STEM program and identify as a member of an equity-deserving group.
Awards like the Nokia Canada Future Forward Bursary and the Nokia Canada STEM Stars Scholarship carry benefits that extend far beyond a financial contribution. Partnerships that link industry and academia help form meaningful connections between students and potential future employers.
“At Nokia Canada, we see education as a catalyst for innovation and long-term economic growth. Our expanded partnership with Carleton University reflects a strategic commitment to strengthening Canada’s STEM talent pipeline and ensuring greater access to opportunity for equity-deserving students. Through our co-op program, students gain meaningful, real-world experience and many go on to build impactful careers at our Kanata campus. By investing in emerging talent today, we are helping shape the diverse workforce that will power the next generation of technological advancement,” said Andy Thompson. Vice President, Transformation and Site Lead, Nokia Canada.
Recently, Nokia Canada reached a significant milestone — 1,000 co-op work terms completed between Carleton students and Nokia. Work terms not only benefit employers through access to potential future talent, they also help students to take an active role in their academic experience. Students learn more about their chosen field by applying their knowledge outside the classroom through a paid experience that enables them to test their skills, build confidence, and form relationships that help them take the next step after graduation — and in many cases have led to employment at Nokia Canada.
As the partnership between Carleton University and Nokia Canada continues to create a lasting impact, it will enrich not only individual students but the communities in which they work, learn and live.