The University of Waterloo will host local high school students from Huron-Perth at their inaugural MVP Challenge – a one-day design and business challenge – to provide high school students with a free opportunity to experience the post-secondary education available to them locally.

On June 7th, students will work in teams to design a Minimum Viable Product and pitch that idea to a panel of judges while receiving mentorship from University of Waterloo students and instructors.

“We wanted to show local high school students what a university education in Stratford could look like, and the future opportunities they could pursue closer to home,” said Nicole Sguigna, Recruitment and Admissions Coordinator, University of Waterloo, Stratford.

Student participants will learn best practices for using AI (artificial intelligence) in their creativity and project developments at a workshop with Dr. Lennart Nacke and how to navigate the design process with Noah Pratt.

“Creating new ideas and identifying and communicating the value of those ideas are skills that will benefit all students regardless of the career path they choose,” notes Greg McIntyre, an Instructor and Digital Media Manager at the Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business, a satellite of the University of Waterloo.

The day is not just for students but also includes a professional development training workshop for some Avon Maitland District School Board teachers on navigating AI in the classroom. “We’re looking forward to hosting students and teachers from Huron-Perth and the surrounding area and furthering that local connection,” commented Sguigna.

The MVP Challenge is open to grades 9-12 high school students. Free bussing is available from Mitchell. Register individually or as a team, or learn more about the MVP Challenge.

A student at a desk is holding a sketchbook with drawings on the front of it.