University introduces SHAD Fellow Exclusive Scholarships for 2018-19 incoming students

SACKVILLE, NB — Mount Allison University is set to host its first SHAD program on campus this summer, welcoming nearly 50 high school students from across Canada this July.

Founded in 1980, SHAD is an award-winning national enrichment and entrepreneurship program for youth in Grades 10,11, and 12. The STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) based program brings top high school students to university campuses across the country every July. Mount Allison is the 16th university host campus in Canada and the second in New Brunswick.

Erin Penney is one of the directors of Mount Allison’s SHAD program and a lab instructor in biology at the University.

“SHAD programs are popular across Canada and it is wonderful that Mount Allison is now part of this network as a host campus,” says Penney. “We have a fantastic team of students, faculty, staff, and community members ready to welcome our SHAD Fellows for a month of enriching and challenging programs.”

SHAD Fellows will work and engage with University students and faculty members during lectures, workshops, and group/individual projects in a number of areas over their month-long stay on campus.

“The students will be working on an entrepreneurship-themed project throughout their stay on campus,” explains Penney.

They learn the theme for the project during the first week of the program. It is based on a social challenge and the SHADs have to create an original product as a solution. They learn all about the innovation process as they simulate starting a business from scratch.

“This type of experiential learning opportunity provides valuable knowledge, not only for future studies but also for workplace preparation. It’s no wonder that so many of the 17,000 SHAD alumni have gone on to become leaders in their fields,” Penney says.

SHAD Fellows will also participate in several regional field trips throughout the Maritimes during the program.

“SHAD is thrilled to be partnering with Mount Allison University for the first time,” says SHAD CEO and President, Tim Jackson.

He adds, “Mount Allison’s track record as one of Canada’s highest-ranked undergraduate institutions made it an obvious fit for our program. We know participants are going to enjoy a rewarding July in Sackville.”

The SHAD program’s expansion to Mount Allison was made possible with funding from the federal and provincial governments. In 2016, the Government of New Brunswick announced a five-year $750,000 investment to ensure more New Brunswick students could gain access to the program.

As part of the new partnership with Mount Allison, two scholarships have been established at the University for SHAD Fellows. Valued at $2,500, the SHAD Fellow Exclusive Scholarships are awarded to outstanding program participants entering their first year at Mount Allison. Additional information can be found at: mta.ca/scholarships.