(RDP)

By rdnewsNOW staff

STEAM

Red Deer Polytechnic and Shad Canada sign MOU to empower the leaders of tomorrow

May 21, 2025 | 2:34 PM

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has become the first polytechnic to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Shad Canada, a summer enrichment program for high achieving high school students to advance STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math).

“We are very excited to partner with Shad Canada and provide grade 10 and 11 high school students with immersive post-secondary opportunities to foster collaboration and innovation on our campus,” says Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience, Red Deer Polytechnic. “These unique experiences will help inspire the next generation of leaders to pursue careers in STEAM, contributing to the economic and social development of Alberta and Canada.”

According to RDP officials, this partnership creates opportunities for at least 80 talented high school students annually to join the competitive Shad Program held every July at RDP.

During this month-long experience, officials say participants will engage in hands-on activities that foster creativity, problem solving and teamwork. Central to this five-year MOU is the emphasis on collaborating and leveraging diverse perspectives to accentuate learning, officials point out. High school students from various backgrounds will have the opportunity to work in design teams, forge meaningful connections and tackle real-world economic and social challenges through innovative STEAM-based solutions.

The Shad Program offers an array of activities, including guest speakers, interactive workshops in STEAM and sessions on business and mentorship. With a strong entrepreneurial focus, students will develop concepts of products and present their ideas to panels, honing critical skills for future success.

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In addition to academic pursuits, officials say this program incorporates a vibrant social and recreational component. Participants will enjoy wellness experiences on RDP’s main campus and across the region, further enriching their stay.

The institution further points out that residing in RDP’s Residences will offer these learners a more holistic postsecondary experience that complements their involvement in the Shad Program.

“Red Deer Polytechnic’s commitment to innovation and excellence makes it an ideal partner for Shad Canada,” says Tim Jackson, CEO, Shad Canada. “Welcoming RDP as our first polytechnic host campus marks an exciting milestone as we expand access to transformative STEAM experiences. Together, we’re empowering youth from all backgrounds to become change makers, problem-solvers and future leaders.”

Beyond the program, students will become part of Shad’s extensive Alumni Network, which boasts over 23,000 members nationwide. According to officials, this network provides lifelong benefits, including access to exclusive scholarships, career events and invaluable peer connections that open doors to further opportunities.

The institution says this partnership aligns seamlessly with RDP’s 2030 Strategic Plan: Productivity & Social Impact, which focuses on transforming learning and applied research into integrated, multidisciplinary innovation ecosystems.

Joining a network of more than 25 Shad campuses across Canada, RDP says it is strengthening its commitment to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow and contributing to provincial and national productivity.

For more information about the Polytechnic’s variety of Youth Programs, please visit: rdpolytech.ca/youth.