2011-2012
News Release
REF NO.: 215
SUBJECT: Enrichment program at Memorial University transforms high-potential teens
DATE: July 3, 2012
Fifty-four remarkable high school students from around the country have descended on Memorial University to embark on an exciting summer adventure. For four weeks in July, these bright teens will live in residence at Memorial in order to attend the Shad Valley program, take advanced lectures on science, engineering and technology and learn how these disciplines can be fused with entrepreneurial thinking and innovation. The program is a unique opportunity for students to work together in a group-oriented environment that enhances their teamwork and leadership skills.
“We are especially excited about this year’s Shad Valley program because it is our 10th anniversary at Memorial University,” said Dr. Leonard Lye, Shad Valley Memorial program director and associate dean of engineering and applied science at Memorial. “A new group of talented students inspires us each summer, and we are tremendously proud that this amazing program has become an integral part of our campus. This year Shad Valley has also partnered with Startup Canada, a campaign celebrating entrepreneurship, for their launch in St. John’s. It’s great that Shad Valley students have the chance to see successful entrepreneurs in action, melding science, technology and business together.”
Shad Valley provides high school students with a pre-university experience to learn about campus life just as they are starting to make decisions about the future. Participants learn from outstanding Memorial University faculty and attend workshops and seminars led by business leaders from the community. Recreational activities and visits to local cultural attractions add another dimension to the curriculum. The program culminates in an entrepreneurship competition where students are placed in groups to create a new product or service, write a business plan, build a prototype and present their ideas to an industry panel.
“The program schedule includes a variety of topnotch lectures and fascinating hands-on seminars by award-winning researchers, as well as inspiring teachers and professional in the fields of engineering, medicine and business,” said Dr. Lye. “Shad Valley students take part in ecological field trips, hike to one of the four corners of the Earth on Fogo Island and visit the most easterly point in North America. We have learning both inside and outside the classroom. My staff are fired up and ready to bring the best of Newfoundland and Memorial University to this year’s Shad Valley participants.”
Participants in the not-for-profit Shad Valley program are selected based on their high potential in the fields of science, technology and engineering, strong leadership abilities and a passion for entrepreneurship and innovation. Selected from some 1,000 applicants, 549 were chosen this year through a process that takes into account exceptional academic standing, as well as community involvement, volunteerism and extracurricular activities. A financial aid package provides assistance to successful candidates who need support towards their participant fee. Once admitted to the program, students are assigned to one of 10 host campuses across Canada. The experience inspires them to reach new heights of excellence as they pursue their educational and career aspirations.
About Shad ValleyCelebrating 32 years of excellence in 2012, Shad Valley provides a transformational experience that unleashes the entrepreneurial and innovative potential of exceptional youth. Hosted in July at 10 top universities across Canada, the Shad Valley program is an intensive month-long enrichment program for high-potential secondary school students. They live in campus residence and attend workshops and lectures that focus on science, engineering, technology and entrepreneurship. They also enjoy team-building exercises and recreational activities that create a strong sense of community. Shad Valley’s close to 12,000 alumni are outstanding achievers that create a strong network for program participants. More information is available at www.shad.ca.
REF NO.: 215
SUBJECT: Enrichment program at Memorial University transforms high-potential teens
DATE: July 3, 2012
Fifty-four remarkable high school students from around the country have descended on Memorial University to embark on an exciting summer adventure. For four weeks in July, these bright teens will live in residence at Memorial in order to attend the Shad Valley program, take advanced lectures on science, engineering and technology and learn how these disciplines can be fused with entrepreneurial thinking and innovation. The program is a unique opportunity for students to work together in a group-oriented environment that enhances their teamwork and leadership skills.
“We are especially excited about this year’s Shad Valley program because it is our 10th anniversary at Memorial University,” said Dr. Leonard Lye, Shad Valley Memorial program director and associate dean of engineering and applied science at Memorial. “A new group of talented students inspires us each summer, and we are tremendously proud that this amazing program has become an integral part of our campus. This year Shad Valley has also partnered with Startup Canada, a campaign celebrating entrepreneurship, for their launch in St. John’s. It’s great that Shad Valley students have the chance to see successful entrepreneurs in action, melding science, technology and business together.”
Shad Valley provides high school students with a pre-university experience to learn about campus life just as they are starting to make decisions about the future. Participants learn from outstanding Memorial University faculty and attend workshops and seminars led by business leaders from the community. Recreational activities and visits to local cultural attractions add another dimension to the curriculum. The program culminates in an entrepreneurship competition where students are placed in groups to create a new product or service, write a business plan, build a prototype and present their ideas to an industry panel.
“The program schedule includes a variety of topnotch lectures and fascinating hands-on seminars by award-winning researchers, as well as inspiring teachers and professional in the fields of engineering, medicine and business,” said Dr. Lye. “Shad Valley students take part in ecological field trips, hike to one of the four corners of the Earth on Fogo Island and visit the most easterly point in North America. We have learning both inside and outside the classroom. My staff are fired up and ready to bring the best of Newfoundland and Memorial University to this year’s Shad Valley participants.”
Participants in the not-for-profit Shad Valley program are selected based on their high potential in the fields of science, technology and engineering, strong leadership abilities and a passion for entrepreneurship and innovation. Selected from some 1,000 applicants, 549 were chosen this year through a process that takes into account exceptional academic standing, as well as community involvement, volunteerism and extracurricular activities. A financial aid package provides assistance to successful candidates who need support towards their participant fee. Once admitted to the program, students are assigned to one of 10 host campuses across Canada. The experience inspires them to reach new heights of excellence as they pursue their educational and career aspirations.
About Shad ValleyCelebrating 32 years of excellence in 2012, Shad Valley provides a transformational experience that unleashes the entrepreneurial and innovative potential of exceptional youth. Hosted in July at 10 top universities across Canada, the Shad Valley program is an intensive month-long enrichment program for high-potential secondary school students. They live in campus residence and attend workshops and lectures that focus on science, engineering, technology and entrepreneurship. They also enjoy team-building exercises and recreational activities that create a strong sense of community. Shad Valley’s close to 12,000 alumni are outstanding achievers that create a strong network for program participants. More information is available at www.shad.ca.
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