MEDIA RELEASE
July 30, 2026
UNBC offers tuition credit to Shad UNBC participants
The University of Northern British Columbia is collaborating with Shad Canada to inspire the next generation of Canadian innovators through a first-of-its-kind tuition credit for all 60 participants at Shad’s UNBC campus who pursue their undergraduate studies at UNBC.
Prince George, B.C. – The University of Northern British Columbia is offering high school participants in its inaugural Shad UNBC summer program a $2,500 first-year tuition credit to continue building on the curiosity, creativity and connections sparked during their month-long experience at UNBC.
The University partnered with Shad Canada to provide more than 60 high-achieving high school students from across the country with an immersive program combining hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics and a focus on social innovation and entrepreneurship.
Selected through a competitive process, the students in Grades 10 and 11 spent July exploring innovative ideas in areas like artificial intelligence, environmental pollution control and food security at the University’s Prince George campus.
“These promising young innovators are already demonstrating the curiosity, creative thinking and collaborative skills needed to foster solutions to some of the pressing issues facing communities,” says UNBC Interim President Dr. Bill Owen. “The tuition credit is a meaningful way to keep the momentum going and encourage Shad UNBC participants to imagine the next steps in their educational journey, including the possibility of returning to UNBC and northern B.C. to make an impact through research, innovation and community leadership.”
The Shad UNBC Tuition Credit provides every student who participated in this summer’s program with a $2,500 tuition credit, applied evenly across the first two semesters of an undergraduate program, if they begin their studies at UNBC by September 2029.
“Hosting Shad for the first time has been an exciting opportunity to introduce some of Canada’s brightest young minds to the learning environment, research excellence and strong sense of community that define the University,” says UNBC Provost and Vice-President Academic Dr. Michel S. Beaulieu. “The tuition credit builds on that experience by creating a pathway for these students to continue developing their potential at UNBC, whether their interests lie in science, the arts, business or beyond.”
A first of its kind for the national program, the tuition credit underscores the shared commitment between UNBC and Shad Canada to empower the next generation of leaders.
“At Shad, we challenge young people to think boldly, lead with purpose and see what’s possible,” says Tim Jackson, President and CEO, Shad Canada. “We are proud to partner with UNBC and their tuition credit is a meaningful investment in Canada’s future leaders. By recognizing the value of the Shad experience and helping remove financial barriers, it opens more pathways for talented young people to pursue their ambitions and make a lasting impact.”
To be eligible for the tuition credit, Shad UNBC participants must complete an online prospective student profile by Sept. 1, 2026.
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Contact information:
Michelle Cyr-Whiting, Communications Officer
250-960-5402
michelle.cyr-whiting@unbc.ca
Jennifer Ross, Vice President Marketing and Communications
226-751-3704
jennifer@shad.ca
Shad Canada
