High school students from across Canada will have the chance to participate in a unique summer study program at the University of Lethbridge thanks to a new partnership with Shad Canada — an Ontario-based organization offering experiential STEAM and entrepreneurship learning opportunities.

Grade 10 and 11 students are eligible to take part in the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics)-focused program that incorporates a hands-on, collaborative learning approach with access to academic and entrepreneurial mentors. ULethbridge joins a growing network of 22 universities from across Canada that play host to the month-long program each July.

The Shad program encourages students to collaborate and build meaningful relationships outside of their home province.

“I am very excited about this partnership because it will attract high school students to visit ULethbridge and participate in various activities on campus as well as in Lethbridge and throughout the surrounding area,” says Dr. Trushar Patel, chemistry & biochemistry researcher and associate dean in the Faculty of Arts & Science.

Dr. Matt Letts, dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science, says the University is proud to showcase the ULethbridge experience to such a promising group of young minds.

“We are delighted by this new partnership with Shad Canada, which highlights ULethbridge as a national leader in the delivery of quality hands-on learning experience at all stages, and to do so within one of the finest research and training facilities in Canada,” adds Letts.

The Shad program encourages students to collaborate and build meaningful relationships outside of their home province. Each campus, and each design team, has a mix of rural and urban participants from diverse economic backgrounds. Students learn the value of their own perspective and the differing perspectives of those around them.

“Adding another campus in Alberta helps us to meet the demand of Canadian youth looking for a summer STEAM and entrepreneurship experience,” says Tim Jackson, President and CEO, Shad Canada. “The University of Lethbridge’s approach to research-informed teaching and learning is exactly the type of university partner we are excited to work with.”

The Shad program is rooted in the principles of equity, diversity and inclusivity and aligns with the ULethbridge philosophy of creating a safe space for all students to express their diverse voice.

“We are purposeful about reaching students in Black, Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ communities and students with disabilities who are traditionally underrepresented,” says Jackson. “We have partnered with 20 community groups across the country to reach students with a variety of lived experiences. We are building a learning environment that includes diverse campus teams and student bodies so more participants can see themselves in mentors, keynote speakers, team leaders and ultimately, in a future in a STEAM or entrepreneurship career path.”

Shad students work together over a 27-day period to design a solution to a real-world problem such as water management or food security. ULethbridge’s liberal education approach that supports critical thinking through an interdisciplinary lens will serve as an ideal learning environment for students.

“Students at ULethbridge are taught to explore problems from multiple perspectives and disciplines. This well-rounded approach to solving issues equips students with the skills to fully understand complex issues and sets them up for success in whatever career they choose,” adds Patel.

About Shad Canada

Shad Canada is a STEAM and entrepreneurship program for students in grades 10 and 11. During the month-long program students live on campus and participate in a real-world design challenge that prepares them to take on social and economic challenges. Shad’s program is transformational and life-changing, and many Shad alumni go on to innovate and start their own businesses. Shad has 22 campus partners, a network of more than 22,000 program graduates and has been running STEAM programs since 1980. Learn more at shad.ca.

About ULethbridge

Founded in 1967 on traditional Blackfoot land, the University of Lethbridge welcomes approximately 8,900 undergraduate and graduate students from around the world to its campuses in Lethbridge and Calgary each year. ULethbridge fosters a learning community that meets the educational and personal growth needs of its students by emphasizing teaching excellence; exposure to research; information literacy; interaction with professors and instructors; effective academic advising, applied learning opportunities and career counselling; and a spectrum of cultural, recreational and extracurricular opportunities.