Laurier to welcome young scholars as new Shad Canada partner

Laurier has become one of Shad Canada’s newest university partners. As a Shad campus, Laurier will run Shad’s STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) and entrepreneurship program for students in grades 10 and 11.

Shad Canada’s month-long program operates at 19 universities across Canada during July. The program attracts students with high aptitudes for risk-taking, curiosity, excellence and resilience, and prepares them to take on social and economic challenges. Shad Canada has cancelled its 2020 programs due to COVID-19.

“Shad is a catalyst for students to discover new areas of study, access academics and business leaders, and reach new heights of personal development,” said Tim Jackson, Shad chief executive officer. “Having Laurier part of the team will expose (students) to a strong interdisciplinary approach to STEAM education."

Shad students work together for 27 days to design a solution to a real-world problem such as food security, water management or waste. Laurier’s interdisciplinary approach to such challenges, along with its business, science, mathematics and arts programming, will provide a strong foundation to support students in their Shad design challenge.

“Shad Canada’s emphasis on hands-on learning, community-building and culturally diverse and Indigenous programming strongly align with Laurier’s strategic focus,” said Laurier President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah MacLatchy. “We are thrilled to partner with Shad to ignite young minds and look forward to welcoming their scholars as part of Laurier’s academic community.”