Laurier to welcome Grade 10 and 11 students from across Canada for annual Shad program

June 27, 2022
For Immediate Release

WATERLOO – Wilfrid Laurier University will be welcoming 56 Grade 10 and 11 students from across Canada to its Waterloo and Brantford campuses from July 4 to 29 as part of the Shad Laurier program. The Shad program uses its strength in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) and entrepreneurship to empower young leaders to find their passions, embrace risk, challenge themselves, find like-minded peers, work in high performance teams, and solve real-world social and economic issues.

The Shad Laurier program includes field trips, lab tours, hands-on exercises, lectures and panel discussions; an open house, alumni dinner and closing banquet; and much more.

“Participants of Shad this year are encouraged to follow their passions and engage with new and exciting concepts while being adaptive to challenging times,” said Sunny Wang, program director and associate professor in the Department of Mathematics. “We are very excited to organize a fun, safe and enriching 2022 program!”

Laurier became a Shad Canada university partner in 2019. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shad Canada had to pivot to online versions of the program in 2020 and 2021. In 2021, Shad Laurier launched its inaugural fully virtual event.

“As a student, Shad was a unique space where I could meet other curious students and explore pathways for university and beyond,” said Joshua Dolman, a local high school teacher, assistant program director of Shad Laurier and Shad alumnus. “It’s the reason why I became an educator and it’s an honour to be able to pay that experience forward as a team member at Shad Laurier.”

The program team includes Wang; Thomas Blanchette, recreational director; Kevin Rops, head program assistant; and several other members of the Shad steering committee, managed by Joanna Moore, senior administrative assistant, Recruitment and Admissions.

Keynote speakers for the Shad program will be revealed after July 6.

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, attend workshops in university labs and participate in a real-world design challenge that tackles social and economic challenges. In July 2022, 18 university campuses will welcome approximately 1,000 students from every corner of Canada. Shad’s program, first launched in 1981, is transformational and life-changing, and many of 20,000 Shad alumni go on to make significant contributions in their chosen field globally. Learn more at shad.ca.