Canada’s Launchpad for Future Innovators
For over 45 years, Shad has empowered high school students to stretch their potential and step into Canada’s future.
Founded in 1981, Shad has grown into the nation’s longest-running pre-university STEAM + entrepreneurship program. Delivered in partnership with 30 leading post-secondary institutions across Canada, Shad is recognized as one of the most influential and transformational summer experiences for ambitious high school students. Shad has more than 25,000 alumni that carry Shad’s spirit of creativity, resilience, and leadership into science, technology, business, and community life.
What began as an immersive summer program has grown into a lifelong network and a call to shape a better future for Canada and the world.
Innovation begins with curiosity, grows through experience, and flourishes when young people are empowered to explore bold ideas. At Shad, we create opportunities for students to develop the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to tackle complex challenges and shape the future.
Creating Impact Across Canada
Post-secondary Campus Partners
Alumni
Community Partners
Canadian High Schools Represented
Students get financial support
in fee assistance
Behind every Shad experience is a network of organizations committed to the next generation. Our partners help expand access, remove barriers, and create opportunities for young people across Canada.
Our Generous Supporters
Community Partners
Together, we can create more opportunities for young people to explore, innovate, and lead.
Diversity is a catalyst for learning, growth, and innovation. By bringing together students from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, Shad creates a community where young people challenge one another, learn from one another, and grow together. At each campus, participants build meaningful relationships beyond their hometowns, connecting with peers from rural and urban communities and a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds.
Community goes beyond diversity–it requires inclusion. We are purposeful about reaching students from Black, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, as well as students with disabilities and others who have been historically underrepresented. Through partnerships and outreach across Canada, we work to ensure more young people can access the Shad experience while creating a learning environment enriched by diverse perspectives, experiences, and strengths.
Driven by passion and purpose
Shad is powered by people who believe in the potential of the next generation. Bringing together expertise, creativity, and a shared commitment to youth, our team works year-round to make the Shad experience possible.
