We take youth to the next level.
They take it further.
Shad is a month-long program for grade 10 & 11s. Pan-Canadian classrooms with university level STEAM and entrepreneurship content and access to mentors. Selection process in place. Limited spots available.
This isn’t a summer camp.
This is your next level
life experience.
At Shad students participate in hands-on learning, collaborate in design teams, explore post-secondary institutions, engage with academic and entrepreneurial mentors, experience vulnerability training, and meet some of the most passionate dreamers in Gen Z.
Why Shad:
We know diversity matters.
That’s why we create
purposeful community
at Shad.
At Shad students collaborate and build meaningful relationships outside of their home province. Each campus, and each design team, has a mix of rural and urban participants from diverse economic backgrounds. Students learn the value of their own perspective and the differing perspectives of those around them.
Community goes beyond diversity and requires inclusivity. We are purposeful about reaching students in Black, Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ communities and students with disabilities that are traditionally underrepresented. We make sure there are multiple perspectives and diverse strengths in a learning environment like no other.
Partnership with Pathways to Education and Minerva and connections with regional school boards, educators, guidance counsellors and STEM organizations help us recruit students from all parts of Canada. And thanks to supportive donors we can provide $1-million in bursaries most years.
We use STEAM as a force for Good. #STEAM4Good.
We equip youth to take on social and economic challenges with a STEAM lens. Each campus tackles the same real-world problem and designated design teams, with assigned mentors, develop STEAM-based solutions. Products, pitches, presentations to panels, this is an entrepreneurial experience with a social impact twist. And one of the most loved aspects of our program.
Shad News
Shad alum and 2SLGBTQ+ and sexual and reproductive health advocate Topaza Yu appointed to Prime Minister’s Youth Council 
From FIRST Robotics to Shad, alum shares passion for STEAM, leadership, and inclusivity 
One bead at a time: Shad alum talks business, Indigenous culture, and connection 
Exploring mentorship and design thinking at Shad 
Design challenge spotlight: Three innovative solutions from teams across Canada 
Three Shad alumni awarded for giving back to their communities
Real connections, real fast. Shad’s Alumni Network is also part of the package.
The #Shadpride lives on years after the program is complete. Program participants join Shad’s Alumni Network. With 20,000 members, this group has access to exclusive scholarships, events and career nights. And like typical professional networks it is a breeding ground for career advice, business opportunities, sharing knowledge and like-minded friendship. Nice perk.
Shad to NASA: A Research
Scientist reroutes her passions
and helps astronauts
explore space
Darlene Lim has spent the past 16 years leading field investigations in deep oceans, deserts, lakes, polar regions and volcanic landscapes. Despite taking place all around the world, the projects are actually more telling about life far beyond our borders, even our planet.
Darlene Lim is a Research Scientist at the NASA Ames Research Center in California. With expertise in geobiology, space science and science operations, her work aims to help astronauts conduct scientific exploration as they return to the Moon and move onwards to Mars.
Elaine Wong
Drug Development and Strategy Consultant Shad1988
Teresa Vander Meer-Chassé
Artist, Curator and Consultant Shad2009
Paul Heuts
Vice President Finance, Shawcor Automotive and Industrial Segment at Shawcor Shad2002
Cindy Soo
Global Innovation & Co-Creation Matrix Manager, IKEA Shad1991
Paula Piilonen
Research Scientist, Mineralogy, Canadian Museum of Nature Shad1992
Graeme Smith
Author and Senior Consultant, NOREF Norwegian Centre for Conflict Resolution, International Crisis Group Shad1997
Emily Jones Joanisse
CEO and Co-Founder, Connected Canadians Shad1997
Amit Virmani
Founder and CEO, Naveco Power Incorporated Shad2005
Primrose Chareka
Software Engineer, Google Shad2013
Anne Robinson
Chief Strategy Officer, Kinaxis Shad1992
Nana-Owusua Kwamena
Environmental Risk Assessment Specialist, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Shad 1996
Rohit Ramchandani
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Global Health InnovationShad1999Life after Shad
Shad alumni across North America, and around the world, are leading businesses, making discoveries, innovating and using STEAM as a force for good. Meet some of the alumni in our Network who are making a difference.
