As a way of introducing local high school students to the highly successful Shad Valley Program, the University is opening its doors to 150 teenagers on Saturday.

The day-long MiniShad program will partner the current group of McMaster Shad Valley students with Hamilton-area teens in a hands-on, problem-based engineering challenge. MiniShad participants will also attend interactive workshops that highlight the variety of people and programs available here at McMaster. Parents and teachers are welcome to attend.

The afternoon guest speaker is Mark Chamberlain, president and CEO of Flamborough-based WESCAM Inc.

The Shad Valley Program focuses on the integration of excellence, technology and entrepreneurship. This is the third year for Shad Valley at McMaster, which is one of nine campuses across the country. Established in 1981, the program's goal is to provide participants with an appreciation of their true potential and encourage them to strive for the highest levels of achievement.