Laurentian University hosts exceptional high school students from across Canada

(July 22, 2025) - This week, Laurentian University concludes its third impactful year of hosting Shad Canada, a not-for-profit organization empowering Grade 10 and 11 students in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM), alongside entrepreneurial thinking. Since the end of June, sixty-two exceptional Canadian high school students have been immersing themselves in Shad’s transformative twenty-seven day experience, reflecting Northern Ontario’s unique cultural and linguistic landscape as they prepare to tackle social and economic challenges.

As one of twenty-five host universities from across the nation, Laurentian has welcomed its participants, known as ‘Shads,’ for this intensive program. Living in residence, students engaged in a dynamic schedule of academic lectures and hands-on workshops. Beyond the classroom, they explored the Greater Sudbury community, participated in enriching Indigenous teachings, and benefited from Laurentian’s unique tri-cultural identity. Laurentian is the only institution among Shad Canada's partners to offer a bilingual program experience, providing a truly unique opportunity for its pan-Canadian cohort.

“With so many dynamic and talented students coming to the Laurentian campus from all over Canada, the Shad program is always an exciting July,” said Dr. Thomas Merritt, Shad Laurentian Program Co-Director and Full Professor at Laurentian University. “Each student brings their own perspective on what a STEAM and entrepreneurship program is and can be. As a team, we work with everyone to build on, and expand, on those perspectives. Each year, I’ve been impressed with what the students accomplish as individuals and in their collaborative small groups and Shad LU 2025 certainly continued this tradition of excellence.” 

“Year after year, the Shad participants bring diverse and enthusiastic perspectives to our program here at Laurentian,” added Jessica Martin, Shad Laurentian Program Co-Director, graduate of Laurentian University and Secondary School Educator. “The Shad program is designed to not only challenge our participants academically, but to further develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will be essential for their futures. I am always very proud of the community we build and the lasting connections they make with one another.”

July 21st was a particularly exciting day for Shads as each showcased their discoveries and projects with a culminating Open Day – a true testament to their hard work, creativity and collaborative spirit fostered during their time at Laurentian. 

Laurentian University's commitment to hosting Shad Canada deeply aligns with the program's national mission to cultivate a diverse and inclusive generation of leaders. 

Shad actively brings together students from various backgrounds – rural and urban, and those from Black, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, as well as students with disabilities that are traditionally underrepresented – fostering an environment where every perspective is valued and meaningful relationships are built. For forty-five years, Shad has served as a launchpad for young innovators, equipping its more than 24, 000 alumni with the skills, mindset, and confidence to tackle real-world challenges in areas such as artificial intelligence, energy, and food security. By combining immersive, hands-on STEAM-based learning with a deep focus on resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurship, programs like the one at Laurentian prepare young people not just for the future of work, but for the future of leadership itself, ensuring a transformative opportunity reaches deserving students across Canada.