Applications close in:

Don't miss your chance to join Shad2026!

Days
Hours
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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.

My name is Matthew Hamilton, I am a grade 10 student on SAC at Chippewa Secondary School who is attending Shad this summer at the University of Western Ontario. My ancestry is Algonquin, but I have spent much of my life on n’Dakimenan, homeland of Temagami First Nation and feel a deep connection to the land and its people. I also enjoy working out and spending time with friends.

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

 I want to participate in the Shad program to expand my critical thinking skills and open-mindedness, as these skills are important in the IB program, which I am also enrolled in next year. In addition, I’ve heard Shad brings many opportunities to have engaging experiences/conversations with people from all over the country. This interests me since I am looking to expand my knowledge as well as social network.

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

I have found that I am interested in STEAM as well as entrepreneurship because they both involve intricate systems that must be mastered to excel in them. I have found that I enjoy working to understand these complex topics, and also have a natural aptitude for it. Furthermore, I believe increasing my abilities in these fields helps with other activities in everyday life, as it develops problem-solving capabilities.

Q: How do you envision your future?

I envision my future as one that, while filled with much success, also acknowledges the next steps to further my abilities. I do not know what career I want to pursue yet, but as someone interested in STEAM who is also very ambitious, I can envision myself constantly working to achieve the next goal in my career/life.


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.