Last fall, Saint Mary’s University welcomed high school students from across the Halifax region to campus for a unique AI and Entrepreneurship High School Co-op Program, offering them early exposure to academic pathways, industry insights and hands-on learning opportunities at the Sobey School of Business.
Delivered in partnership with the local school board and more than 10 high schools, the program is designed to prepare students for the rapidly evolving AI space while introducing them to university life and post-secondary pathways.
As part of the experience, students participated in Leadership Day, which provided insights into leadership, innovation and emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship.
A highlight of the program was a one-hour keynote and Q&A session led by Ben McDade, Investment Director with Invest Nova Scotia and a proud Sobey School of Business alum. McDade shared his insights from his career and discussed entrepreneurship fundamentals, offering students practical perspectives on innovation and leadership.
Throughout the program, students explored a wide range of topics including artificial intelligence, generative AI, data visualization and data analytics. Sessions were delivered by SMU professors, alumni and industry professionals, including a team lead from the Data Analytics Support Centre at the Department of National Defence.
One participant, Karl, credits the program with shaping his academic future. After receiving undergraduate offers from top Canadian institutions, including the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business, Karl ultimately chose to pursue his undergraduate studies at the Sobey School of Business, influenced by his experience at the Saint Mary’s High School Co-op program.
Throughout the program, Karl earned credits applicable towards his future degree, gained early exposure to campus life and explored cutting-edge topics in AI and entrepreneurship.
Looking ahead, participating students will be invited to the Youth AI Pitch Competition in 2026, along with additional opportunities such as March Break camps, competition preparation programs and teaching assistant volunteer roles.
The next cohort of students recently began their High School Dual Credit Co-op at Saint Mary’s. This term, 20 local high school students will attend weekly on-campus sessions focused on AI and Data Analytics. The program is led by Dr. Michael Zhang and graduate students in the Master’s of Business Analytics program. Students will earn AI and Data Analytics career experience and attend sessions with various industry partners.