BRISTOL — Josephine Hatton of Bristol, a Grade 10 student at Pontiac High School (PHS), has been accepted into Shad Canada, a prestigious national program.

Shad is a month-long STEAM and entrepreneurship program held each summer on university campuses across Canada. STEAM combines five disciplines: science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. The program focuses on team building, innovation and the development of academic, leadership and collaboration skills. Founded in 1981, it has grown into the country’s largest STEAM and entrepreneurship initiative.

“I’m really trying to make connections in the field of STEAM,” Hatton said. “A lot of these friends can network in the workplace later in life.”

Shad has more than 25,000 alumni, many of whom have gone on to successful careers.

Hatton said she first learned about the program at a forum for young Canadians. After researching it further, she felt it was a strong fit.

“It really helps you get into workplaces that are pretty selective. It’s just a great foundation,” she said.