More high school students will have a hands-on summer experience solving world problems with science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM)

The Voice of Canada News:

Alberta’s government is partnering with Shad Canada to create more opportunities for Grades 10 and 11 students to take part in a STEAM and entrepreneurship summer program. Through a four-year funding partnership, Shad Canada will expand recruiting to more high schools and provide bursaries to more female, Indigenous, and low-income students, as well as those who live in remote or rural areas.

“ Students are the future drivers of Alberta’s economy. The partnership with Shad Canada will empower more high school students from all walks of life to explore their passions and develop their potential. They will learn to build the mindset, skills and networks they need to be successful and make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world.”-Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Education

“This is a strong partnership that will help set our students up for success. Many of the hands-on experiences that Shad provides will give students the skills, knowledge and abilities they need in today’s rapidly changing world.”Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education

Shad Canada offers the STEAM and entrepreneurship program every July at 19 Canadian universities. During the month-long program, 1,000 high school students across the country participate in seminars, labs and hands-on learning.

“For 40 years, Shad has been at the forefront of experiential learning through our STEAM and entrepreneurship program. We are thrilled to partner with the Alberta government to ensure a diverse and inclusive cohort of students will have access to transformational Shad programming and an exceptional network of Alberta-based mentors working in STEAM fields.”- Tim Jackson, CEO, Shad Canada

Shad Canada will be contacting Alberta high schools this fall to set up recruiting sessions. Students may apply for the program during the winter, and successful participants will be selected in the spring. Schools and students can find out more about the program and application process at shad.ca.

Quick facts

• Shad Canada will receive $125,000 per year for four years:
  • $75,000 per year will provide bursaries to students on a needs basis
  • $50,000 per year will expand recruiting to more Alberta high schools
• Between the 2020-21 and 2023-24 school years, Shad Canada is committed to:
  • Partnering with 25 new Alberta high schools outside large urban centres.
  • Increasing Alberta applicants to receive at least 550 applications from high-achieving youth from diverse backgrounds. 
  • Increasing the average number of Alberta participants by about 40 per cent.
  • Ensuring at least 55 per cent of participants are female.
  • Connecting all Alberta participants with the Shad Canada network of alumni and business and technology leaders who will provide lifelong mentorship.

• More than 85 per cent of Shad alumni advance to post-secondary studies in science or engineering.
• More than 90 per cent of alumni say the Shad program helped them think like an entrepreneur.
• More than 18,000 Canadian students have completed the STEAM and entrepreneurship program since it began in 1981.