Canada’s Launchpad for Future Innovators
Shad is a month-long summer program where Canada’s top high school students don’t just learn about the future. They start building it.
Through hands-on challenges in areas like artificial intelligence, energy, and food security, students develop the skills, confidence, and creative instincts to tackle problems that matter. STEAM learning meets entrepreneurial thinking, and curiosity meets real stakes, all in an environment designed to push students further than they thought they could go.
The result: young people who leave not just prepared for the future, but ready to shape it.
Shad is a month-long summer program where Canada’s top high school students don’t just learn about the future. They start building it.
Through hands-on challenges in areas like artificial intelligence, energy, and food security, students develop the skills, confidence, and creative instincts to tackle problems that matter. STEAM learning meets entrepreneurial thinking, and curiosity meets real stakes, all in an environment designed to push students further than they thought they could go.
The result: young people who leave not just prepared for the future, but ready to shape it.
Shad is guided by educators, innovators entrepreneurs, alumni, and community leaders who help shape transformative experiences for young people across Canada.
Experienced leaders driving Shad's mission forward.
Community leaders providing strategic oversight.
We know diversity matters. That’s why we create purposeful community at Shad.
“At Shad students collaborate and build meaningful relationships outside of their hometown. 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 2SLGBTQIA+ 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 Black Boys Code and connections with regional school boards, educators, guidance counsellors, community and social change organizations and STEM organizations help us recruit students from all parts of Canada.
Shad is a registered Canadian charity. Donations support program delivery, student access, and our ability to grow. Every gift helps us bring Shad to more curious, driven students across Canada.
