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UNB and SHAD are working to bring new opportunities to students from the Grand Falls region through a grant from the Dr Oetker Community Fund.

Exceptional high school students from Victoria County are encouraged to participate in the SHAD program, and once they graduate, to attend UNB as undergraduate students.

Made possible by a financial commitment from the Dr. Oetker Community Fund, successful applicants to the SHAD program will receive support toward their program fees, travel and incidental costs, thanks to a new awards program.

Tim Jackson, President and CEO at SHAD, said that SHAD is undertaking extensive outreach in Victoria County this fall.

“By reaching out to high schools and community partners, we are identifying young people of exceptional ability, who are at risk of not reaching their full potential because of family situation, lack of social and financial resources, or lack of awareness of their options,” said Mr. Jackson.

Since the early 1980s, UNB has been pleased to host SHAD, a STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) month-long in-residence summer program that empowers exceptional high school students.

Marco LeBlanc, a resource teacher at John Caldwell School in Grand Falls, applauded the partnership and what it will mean to high school students from Victoria County.

“The funding for Grand Falls area youth to attend SHAD is refreshing news,” said Mr. LeBlanc. “There are many talented students here who are ready to challenge themselves on the national stage with like-minded peers. Removing financial barriers means family finances won't be an obstacle to our students reaching their full potential.”

“I had the opportunity to teach two students who took part in SHAD in the last few years,” Mr. LeBlanc adds. “These young people were already leaders and change makers, but SHAD enhanced their confidence and their ability to be critical thinkers. Getting students together who have similar interests and academic grit creates a particularly innovative group of youth who are able to make significant contributions to their communities.”

Once they complete the SHAD program, high school graduates from Victoria County will also be eligible for a scholarship when they apply for an undergraduate degree at UNB. Each scholarship will be valued up to tuition and will be renewable for a second year of study.

UNB President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Eddy Campbell said that part of the university’s mandate is to make education accessible to all.

“We want to provide students with every opportunity to succeed. They choose programs like SHAD and post-secondary institutions like UNB because they want an education that prepares them to be confident leaders in their careers, families and communities,” said Dr. Campbell. “We are proud to offer this new financial support program that will ensure that more exceptional students from Victoria County are able to acquire the knowledge, skills and abilities they need to create opportunities for themselves and others.”

Media contacts

Kelsey Pye
Communications Officer, UNB
k.pye@unb.ca 
506-453-4508

Jennifer Ross
Director of Marketing and Communications, SHAD
jennifer@shad.ca
519-884-8844 ext. 226