Durham College (DC) students with Enactus DC advanced to the semifinals at the 2026 Enactus Canada National Exposition on the strength of their sustainable project, Second Sole, which developed a process to clean and recycle nitrile gloves into a reusable material that can be resold to manufacturers.

Competing against much larger institutions, our Enactus DC students presented their work with clarity and confidence at the live, presentation-based competition in Montreal earlier this month. Enactus hosts the event each year as part of their commitment to help students develop leadership skills by building real, community-based projects that address social, economic, and environmental challenges.

That approach aligns with Durham College’s focus on experiential learning, which emphasizes applying classroom learning in real-world contexts, building industry connections, and developing career-ready skills through hands-on experience.

“This is experiential learning at its best,” said Jennifer Bedford, faculty advisor with the team. “Our students took a real project, measured real results, and communicated that work with confidence on a national stage.”

The event also highlighted alumni impact, with former Enactus DC president Heather Brown recognized as Enactus Alumni of the Year.

For Cindy Tran, a Video Production student and media lead on the Second Sole team, it was an unforgettable experience.

“Representing Durham College on the national stage was nerve-wracking, but incredibly rewarding,” they said. “Being part of Enactus has shown me what real leadership and teamwork look like, and how students can turn an idea into a project with real-world impact. I’m grateful for the support of our faculty advisor Jennifer, and proud of what our team accomplished together.”

Outgoing team president Jonathan Grant (Environmental Technician) also received a Founder’s Bursary recognition this year for his role in the Second Sole project, highlighting the leadership development that Enactus builds alongside project impact.

“What makes me most proud is the personal growth I saw within our team throughout the year. Watching members step outside of their comfort zones and develop confidence in themselves was incredibly rewarding,” he said. “For me, Second Sole became more than just an environmental initiative, it became proof of what students can accomplish when they believe in an idea and work together consistently toward it.”

The team will be in good hands next year with David Moge (Supply Chain Management – Global) taking over as president, and he’s excited to carry the project forward.

“Being part of Enactus DC has really shown me what’s possible when a team is passionate, committed, and working toward something bigger than themselves,” said Moge. “I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved this year, and excited to build on that foundation and keep pushing our team to grow.”

Students who want to learn more, explore current projects, or get involved can visit the Enactus DC website.