<p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/c4085c9a-d334-4406-bedd-48c5c41ee53e" alt="SHAD 2" width="265" height="265" style="width:265px;height:265px;display:inline-block"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><img src="/images/fc2da722-62f1-4974-8777-b39d28c5dbef" alt="SHAD 7" width="263" height="263" style="width:263px;height:263px;display:inline-block"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><img src="/images/2b36017f-c600-4bd0-b8f0-3a3454aaf824" alt="SHAD 3" width="266" height="266" style="width:266px;height:266px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students from École Secondaire Beaumont Composite High School and also from New Sarepta Community High School are still talking about the engaging career focused experience they had at the University of Alberta Campus a few days ago.</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The SHAD Canada Futures Day provided Grade 10 and 11 students with a chance to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) academic and career pathways, through hands-on workshops, with experts from U of A, MacEwan University and industry.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students spent the day exploring and learning, engaging in diverse activities from programming robots and delving into data and statistics to hands-on agricultural work, designing physical spaces, and conducting environmental research.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“It was a great opportunity for our students to see what might be possible in their futures within STEAM focused careers,” says Chris Stiles, Director of Strategic Programs &amp; Leadership for BGSD. “Also, just being on the U of A campus was a good experience. We anticipate that the up-close-and-personal look is helpful to students as they make decisions about post-secondary studies. We hope the experience makes the idea of transition more interesting and accessible.”</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/ab8c3d2e-6d49-4e52-9c56-5f25836e2795" alt="SHAD 5" width="263" height="263" style="width:263px;height:263px;display:inline-block"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><img src="/images/74cae679-c286-4171-ac55-4915897d0598" alt="SHAD 1" width="263" height="263" style="width:263px;height:263px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“This experience gave our students a chance to explore new ideas, ask questions, and see themselves in future STEAM pathways. Opportunities like this help make post-secondary learning feel real, accessible, and within reach,” says Lorelei Steffler, Principal, New Sarepta Community High School.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“It was really cool to see the U of A campus and imagine attending classes there. The day helped me start thinking about what courses I might want to take next year,” says a NSCHS student.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“I started off learning about data science and statistics,” says one ESBCHS student. “I thought it was fun. I liked the professor. There were lots of questions and a lot of interest.”&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Another student highlighted the robotic programming workshop. “We learned how to move the robot with the calculator. And then someone was handed the control and we got to move a drone. It did front flips and back flips.”&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/532ba944-766a-4f55-a58d-196d32f7fd8c" alt="SHAD 8" width="251" height="251" style="width:251px;height:251px;display:inline-block"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><img src="/images/b68b53dd-53f1-4cd1-8cba-7548cb0763a1" alt="SHAD 6" width="251" height="251" style="width:251px;height:251px;display:inline-block"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><img src="/images/b89f706a-ca0b-4623-a7cd-87263da72898" alt="SHAD 4" width="251" height="251" style="width:251px;height:251px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“I think it is an important trip because you learn so much about your future opportunities,” says a NSCHS student. “I liked the statistics workshop because it showed how data is used to make real decisions, not just graphs in math class.”</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Another NSCHS student says, “I liked talking to people who actually work in these fields.&nbsp; It was cool to see how math and technology connect to real jobs.”</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Char Tomkins, ESBCHS teacher, says, “This was a valuable opportunity to learn about careers the students may not have considered. The sessions provided practical insights into the types of experiences students may encounter in the workplace.”</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Jenny Munholland, ESBCHS teacher, says, “I saw students work hands-on with innovative technologies and engage in conversation with experts in STEM fields. The excitement I witnessed is a testament to the valuable experience that SHAD provides to students.”</span></p>