Applications close in:

Don't miss your chance to join Shad2026!

Days
Hours
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Seconds

Applications close in:

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Don't miss your chance to join Shad2026!

Applications close in:

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Don't miss your chance to join Shad2026!

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself.

Aanii! Hi there! My name is Ada Speck and I am 16 years old in grade 11 at Korah Collegiate and Vocational School located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. I am proud to be Ojibway and from Wiikwemkoong First Nation. I consider myself an urban Indigenous person because I didn’t grow up on-reserve, but instead lived in many towns in Ontario. My family relocated several times and I have attended six different schools. I currently work at the YMCA as a lifeguard. I absolutely love swimming and being able to help people. I have always been very interested in STEAM, especially math and science. I am particularly interested in environmental sciences and the one health approach that recognizes that all things are interconnected.

Q: Why do you want to participate in the Shad program/ What are you most looking forward to?

I am so excited to have the opportunity to participate in this program because I am drawn to new experiences where I can learn, especially as to what other opportunities are possible. I am also looking forward to getting to go through this transformative program, and I hope this will give me better insight into my passions and what opportunities exist! I also love meeting new people and to be surrounded by other youth who have similar interests as I do! I have never participated in a program like this before, so I am not sure really what to expect but I am excited for the opportunity to learn more about STEAM and entrepreneurship.

Q: What motivates or sparks your curiosity in STEAM and/or entrepreneurship?   

My curiosity in STEAM stems from my hunger to learn as much as I can. I am so intrigued by the “whys” in life and I hope that I can one day help to answer some of them and help others using that knowledge. There are so many opportunities in STEAM, and multiple creative pathways that ignite a fire within me.

Q: How do you envision your future?

Currently I am unsure of what I want to do with my future. I have always known that I want to use my skills to help the people around me. I want to do something in the field of science or math because I am passionate about each and excel in both areas. I have been intrigued by psychiatry, medicine, marine biology, math education, and one health, but I am not sure what my future holds which is scary and exciting at the same time.


Want to meet the other Indigenous Scholars? Read their stories

Early Bird Advantage

Be among the first 650 students to submit your application before Nov. 3rd, 2025, and lock in your top choice campuses!

Spots are limited! Don’t miss out!

Early Bird applies to the first 650 completed applications submitted by Nov 3, 11:59 PM (ET). Guarantee applies only if accepted into the program, and placement will be made at one of the applicant’s Top 10 campus choices. Shad reserves the right of final interpretation.