Queen’s Innovation Connector Summer Initiative (QICSI) has expanded its efforts to foster collaboration and learning between students from Queen’s University and St. Lawrence College.

QICSI, formerly Queen’s Summer Innovation Initiative, opened up two new spaces for St. Lawrence students during last summer’s 16-week paid internship program. This year, the college cohort has increased to four.

“Everyone comes to QICSI from different education backgrounds and life experiences,” says Amy Hamilton, one of this year’s St. Lawrence participants. “What we all have in common, though, is a drive for innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset. I feel privileged to be part of such a brilliant collection of individuals.”

Ms. Hamilton, who has completed her advanced diploma in business administration, says her college experience will serve her well as she works alongside her Queen’s peers.  

“Throughout my time at St. Lawrence College, I have had the opportunity to learn experientially, which has fostered and supported the theory that I was learning and, ultimately, strengthened my skills and knowledge,” she says. “A great deal of time is spent on practical assignments that offer real-life scenarios and professional growth.”

Another QICSI participant from St. Lawrence College, William Etherington, echoes Ms. Hamilton’s sentiments about the hands-on learning perspective the college students will add to their teams. During his first year in the business administration and marketing program at St. Lawrence, Mr. Etherington and his classmates spent a lot of time at the whiteboard, coming up with unique ideas and different strategies. Now he is keen to apply that learning experience throughout the summer at Queen’s.

“I think it’s a huge opportunity for all parties involved,” he says. “From talking to other participants at the meet-and-greet this spring, I know there are a lot of talented people involved in QICSI and the St. Lawrence College students have the potential to add a lot to the teams.”

Walter Fenlon and his wife Linda-Ann Daly have invested in the initiative to support the integration of St. Lawrence College students in QICSI.  Mr. Fenlon, a long-time supporter of economic development in the Limestone City, founded Imagine Kingston in 2006 to advance the city’s social, cultural, educational and business endeavours. With his support, Queen’s Innovation Connector (QIC) is incorporating the expertise of St. Lawrence faculty into the summer initiative.

“We are grateful Mr. Fenlon and Ms. Daly have supported an endeavour that both strengthens the ties between Queen’s and St. Lawrence and supports Kingston’s innovation agenda,” says Greg Bavington, Executive Director, QIC. “Last year, the St. Lawrence students brought an enhanced and broad business perspective to the group that we anticipate will continue this year.”

This year’s cohort of QICSI participants is currently completing a two-week intensive experiential learning segment. The students will then form teams and spend the rest of the summer developing their own businesses or enhancing corporate innovation by working with an industry partner.