Unplugged

Back by popular demand – and growing! We are offering more Shad Unplugged campuses.

Live on campus and explore dorm-life, campus-life, and get hands-on STEAM training in a fully engaged community without the distractions of social media

Unplugged program

The Shad Unplugged program is a unique version of the campus experience that limits social media to create deeper connections, more presence, and stronger community. Participants trade in their smartphones for basic phones, removing distractions and making space for meaningful conversations, collaboration, and personal growth. Learning tech like laptops stays in, but social apps stay out—so you can fully engage with the people and ideas around you. It’s a one-month challenge in digital wellness that leads to lasting friendships and a truly immersive Shad journey.

Q & A

Shad Alum Gabriella Kadiri shares insights from her Shad Unplugged experience in this Q&A:

A Day at Shad

What to expect

Shad runs 24/7 with a packed schedule of interactive learning, interdisciplinary design challenges, and unforgettable campus life. You’ll work closely in design teams to solve real-world problems, all while engaging with inspiring keynote speakers, professors, entrepreneurs, and innovators who connect what you’re learning to the world beyond the classroom. It’s a fully immersive experience that blends science, tech, arts, and business—bringing your future just a little closer, one exciting day at a time.

The Shad program follows a dynamic daily schedule, combining academic learning with hands-on experiences.

"Unplugged necessitated interaction. I felt as though I truly could approach anybody on campus, and I would be able to have their full attention in a one-on-one conversation. Unplugged forced me to learn to be alone with myself, without distractions, and helped build my discipline, and work ethic. If we had phones, I do not believe that the level of connection we achieved would have been possible.”

Morning Sessions

Mornings typically feature engaging lectures and workshops.

Recreational Break

Physical activities and recreational breaks are included to promote well-being and teamwork.

Afternoon Projects

Afternoons focus on collaborative group projects.

Afternoon Sports

Active recreational time includes team sports that promote movement, build strength and spark connection.

Evening Events

Evenings often offer networking opportunities, guest speakers, or group events, ensuring participants stay connected and continue developing skills in creativity, leadership, and innovation.

Shad’s all-star teams

Shad brings together over 1,700 high-achieving students from across Canada with a team of passionate, experienced Program Directors who play a key role in guiding and inspiring the community.

“Going “Unplugged” and getting rid of the distraction helped to cultivate the bonding and sense of community that is so crucial for the personal growth we see in the program…and I believe it’s one of the cornerstones of the Shad program, teaching youth how to build effective, collaborative communities together.”

Rob Gorbet

Program Director

A Day at Shad

Michael Field

From ideas to impact

Looking back at Shad's real-world design challenge themes

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