Genius camp: Prestigious program selects local youth

Sudbury's Justin Michaud will spend the month of July at McMaster University participating in SHAD, a prestigious science, technology, engineering and math summer program for youth.

Michaud and the other exceptional students accepted into SHAD are not your usual run-of-the-mill high academic achievers; they are more than that, a press release said.

They competed for a coveted place, meeting criteria that are measured beyond just academic achievement.

For many students this is the beginning of a lifelong journey where upon completion of the program, students compete for an internship and join a network of alumni who include Rhodes Scholars, Top 40 under 40, Top 20 Under 20, TD scholarship recipients, Loran Scholars and Schulich Leaders, to mention but a few.

“Centred on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), SHAD empowers exceptional youth to make the world a better place,” said Barry Bisson, SHAD president, in a press release.

“SHAD is where Canada’s top youth achievers are exposed to great ideas, inspired to look at things differently, challenged to reach for the highest levels of excellence and encouraged to embrace their Uncommon Purpose – the pursuit of their own potential to change the world.”

Michaud is among only 658 youth offered a place to spend this July immersed in the rewards and rigors of higher learning at one of SHAD’s 12 host universities from coast to coast.

“SHAD exposes bright youth to advanced topics and takes them out of their comfort zones,” said Bisson. “SHAD supports them to discover new ways to learn, engage, experiment and excel.

“Interacting directly with renowned university faculty and visionary corporate leaders gives participants a glimpse of their future, and raises their aspirations and ability to make a difference.”

Parents and teachers alike are amazed at how these students excel to a level that they have not been exposed to before by being challenged with other like-minded students, a press release said,

One parent compared her daughter’s experience to that of an athlete where resources are invested to support the athlete to compete to the highest level of competition.

The only difference is that the SHAD program is all about driving and supporting our future leaders by providing them with an environment of excellence and creativity, and fostering a dynamic community that collaborates and challenges each other.

Another parent said her son is now a more confident person, with all the skills and abilities to meet future challenges, and has the support of a network that will help him excel as he moves from being a high school student, to undergraduate, to a career, and maybe future Prime Minister.

For some, it all started at SHAD and it changed their life.

Now in its 35th year, SHAD is acknowledged and respected by universities and employers globally, a press release said.

SHAD’s vision is to be Canada’s network for transforming exceptional youth to create global impact.

Acceptance to SHAD is a highly competitive, application-based process.

Those selected have top marks, a strong community focus, and come from diverse backgrounds.

A generous financial awards program provides assistance to successful candidates with demonstrated financial need.