Summer science program connects high school students with AU STEAM expertise
Athabasca University (AU) and Shad Canada are doubling the capacity of the ShadAnywhere program to offer the summer science program to 224 high-achieving high school students.
The Shad program provides one month of online learning opportunities for high-achieving Grade 10 and 11 students focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) topics with an entrepreneurship component. Historically a place-based program, this is the second year Shad is offering a virtual alternative called ShadAnywhere after the successful launch in July 2023.
Dr. Shauna Zenteno, dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, said this program is a natural fit with AU’s expertise in distance and online education, so it’s an easy decision to continue with this partnership.
“ShadAnywhere students will have the amazing opportunity to learn about AU as a university option, open and distributed learning, new technologies, innovative research, and the talented faculty members we have at AU.”
An interdisciplinary approach
Instructors from all AU faculties are working to develop content for this program, as well as other units such as PowerED™ by Athabasca University and Nukskahtowin.
Zenteno said she ultimately hopes this STEAM program will result in more students understanding the value of online learning and knowing about AU as an option for university for students anywhere in Canada.
“They will have the amazing opportunity to learn about open and distributed learning, new technologies, innovative research, and the talented faculty members we have at AU,” she said.
ShadAnywhere students will have the amazing opportunity to learn about AU as a university option, open and distributed learning, new technologies, innovative research, and the talented faculty members we have at AU. Dr. Shauna Zenteno, Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology
Online summer science program
Students who take part in the online program can expect a variety of lectures and activities from AU’s faculty focused on all aspects of STEAM, a high ratio of instructors to students, and plenty of hands-on learning opportunities. The program culminates with a design challenge for participants to tackle.
Participants must commit to one month of activities, totalling 120 hours over 20 days in from July 1 to July 26, 2024. Days typically consist of workshops and small group sessions, delivered through videoconferencing and collaborating platforms like Zoom, Google, and Miro. Students will need a quiet place to work, appropriate computer equipment, and a stable internet connection.
ShadAnywhere benefits for students
Alumni of the Shad program, both in-person and virtual, have spoken of the benefits the experience has had in their personal and professional lives, and gone on to accomplish some remarkable things.
