In July, employees from the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) connected with nearly 600 high school students from across Canada to talk about the safe, long-term management of intermediate- and high-level radioactive waste. The students were participating in Shad Canada’s 2026 program, where the focus was exploring how they can help address long-term sustainability challenges.

“What stood out most was the students’ curiosity and the thoughtful questions they asked,” said Rob DeBartolo, Commercial Director at the NWMO and one of the presenters at York University.

Shad Canada is a national program that brings together high school students from across Canada to explore complex challenges through science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics. This year’s theme was “Lifecycle innovation for everyday items,” giving students an opportunity to consider how their knowledge and ideas could contribute to a more sustainable future.

NWMO staff delivered presentations and interactive engagement activities that connected classroom learning to real-world challenges at six university campuses in Ontario and New Brunswick. The presentations showcased the progress we are making towards Canada’s first deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel, and detailed the proposed site selection process for the NWMO’s second repository project.

For DeBartolo, presenting at Shad is a rewarding opportunity to engage directly with future leaders.

“When students have the opportunity to learn about the work happening in the nuclear sector and ask questions, they can begin to see themselves as part of its future,” he said. “Seeing that curiosity turn into an interest in the possibilities of a career in nuclear is one of the most rewarding parts of presenting at Shad.”

For 16 years, the NWMO has partnered with Shad Canada as part of our commitment to empowering Canada’s future leaders and innovators. To learn more about how the NWMO is supporting youth, explore our website.