Shad’s Live-in programs are hosted at our carefully selected post-secondary campuses and Shad’s Virtual program is powered by Athabasca University.
Here are various common questions that come up about Shad and our programs:
Program / General
Shad offers a suite of immersive programs designed to ignite curiosity, build confidence, and prepare students in Grades 10 and 11 to thrive in a fast-changing world. On campus program options include the Live-in, A-plus, En Français, and Unplugged programs, and the Shad Virtual program is also available.
Live-in / A-Plus / En Français/ Unplugged: July 4 – July 30 | 24/7
Virtual: July 5 – July 30 | Monday – Friday, 11 am – 5 pm ET
Shad’s Live-in programs are hosted at our carefully selected post-secondary campuses and Shad’s Virtual program is powered by Athabasca University.
The number and locations of campuses hosting the Unplugged program will be determined by the demand from accepted applicants. For Shad 2027, A-Plus will be hosted at St. Thomas University and En Français at Campus Saint-Jean of the University of Alberta.
We carefully consider many factors when assigning campus placements, including your preferred campuses, where you live, travel considerations, and other individual circumstances. While we do our best to accommodate your preferences whenever possible, final campus placements are made by Shad to help create a diverse, pan-Canadian experience for all participants.
Well-qualified team members work hard to ensure that all aspects of the experience – academic, logistical and social – meet or exceed expectations.
Many of these dedicated team members are top-rated post-secondary professors. Volunteers from all areas of the university and business community also add to the mix to create a dynamic experience. All team members and volunteers subscribe to the highest code of conduct as defined and maintained by Shad Canada.
No. Shad participants must commit to attending the entire duration of the program.
Shad Canada is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that respects the diverse identities and needs of participants in the Shad program. We strive to ensure everyone can participate fully and access the supports they may need.
Accommodation supports are available to support the diverse needs of participants, including disability, cultural, religious or spiritual practices, gender identity or expression, and needs related to other human rights protected grounds. Students who require accommodations should contact Shad Canada as early as possible to discuss their accommodation needs and to ensure Shad Canada can meet their needs. Careful consideration should be made prior to accepting the offer to participate.
Requests can be sent to info@shad.ca
Shad can count towards high school credit for participants from Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. The Shad experience can also qualify as a Sector-Partnered Experience for SHSM students in Ontario and towards CAS requirements for IB diploma students. Shad’s Virtual campus participants also have the opportunity to complete credentials from Athabasca University.
Accommodations & Accessibility
Shad Canada is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that respects the diverse identities and needs of participants in the Shad program. We strive to ensure everyone can participate fully and access the supports they may need.
Accommodation supports are available to support the diverse needs of participants, including disability, cultural, religious or spiritual practices, gender identity or expression, and needs related to other human rights protected grounds. Students who require accommodations should contact Shad Canada as early as possible to discuss their accommodation needs and to ensure Shad Canada can meet their needs. Careful consideration should be made prior to accepting the offer to participate.
Requests can be sent to info@shad.ca
Accessibility matters to us. We are committed to creating Shad learning environments where participants with disabilities can have meaningful opportunities to engage, feel a sense of belonging, and thrive.
Accessibility and accommodation supports are available as part of the program. We recognize that each person may have different needs, and we are eager to work with youth and their parent/guardian(s) to identify supports that can help remove barriers to participation.
If you have a disability or accessibility need, or require an accommodation to participate in the program, please contact us. You do not need to know exactly what support you need or have the right words to describe it. We welcome a conversation about what would help you participate fully and comfortably.
We will work with you to understand your needs, explore appropriate accessibility supports, and identify reasonable accommodations where possible. Our goal is to have an open conversation and work together to support your participation.
Your access matters to us. We want to hear from you and work with you.
For accessibility and accommodation requests, please contact:
info@shad.ca | 519-884-8844
Fees
Program fees vary based on your family’s financial circumstances, and financial assistance is available to help make Shad accessible. Learn more about Shad program fees and assistance, scholarships, and other ways to fund your Shad experience.
Yes! Shad offers financial support to cover full and partial program fees. Every year we provide over $5 Million in financial assistance for families. Every application includes a parent contact section so they can consider financial assistance opportunities.
Visit our scholarship page for additional opportunities as well.
No. When an offer is made, applicants submit a $750 deposit to secure their spot in the program. The remaining balance is made in two separate instalments.
The Shad program fee is NOT tax deductible.
Applications
High school students currently completing Grade 10 and 11 (Secondaire IV and V in Quebec). We are looking for students who are community-minded, creative, engaged, curious and want to make an impact in Canada and the world.
The deadline is January 6, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET. To qualify for Early Application Advantages, you must submit your application by 11:59 p.m. ET on November 8, 2026.
Apply by November 8, 2026 to receive your Shad admission decision by the first week of December 2026. Applicants who receive an early offer are guaranteed placement at one of their top 10 campus choices, and knowing sooner means you can start planning your summer in 2027 earlier.
Applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English for all live-in and virtual programs, except the En Français program. Applicants to En Français must be proficient in spoken and written French, as the program is delivered in French.
Students complete an online application.
Note: Admission into the Shad program is competitive, therefore applicants need to put their best effort forward when completing the application.
To request application accommodations such as needing application material in an alternate format for students with disabilities or students in remote areas please contact admissions@shad.ca
Applicants complete a profile, answer questions, upload their most recent report card, and provide a reference contact.
For more application details, click here.
For more reference details, click here.
Applicants are assessed on several factors highlighting their unique talents and contributions. Factors such as overall excellence, extracurricular involvement (i.e. volunteerism, part-time work, family care responsibilities), creativity, reflection and commitment in making the world a better place.
Applicants should demonstrate academic excellence but there is no “cut-off’ average for applying.
No, we do not require a school nomination for a student to be eligible to apply.
Applicants who submit an early application by November 8, 2026 will be informed of their decision in the first week of December 2026. All other applicants will be informed in the first week of February 2027. Financial assistance decisions are communicated at the same time as your admission decision.
No. If your application was reviewed for early admission and you did not receive an early offer, it will not be reconsidered in the January process.
Give
The participant fee covers 3/4 of the actual cost for a student to attend Shad. Donor generosity keeps the participant fee reasonable. In addition, through donors, Shad provides bursaries for students who require more help — up to and including the full cost of the program.
The current funding need is $5 million and rising, driven by the expansion of programming and a growing number of participants. As Shad continues to reach more vulnerable youth, the demand for financial support increases accordingly—ensuring these youth can confidently accept their offers without financial barriers.
After close to 45 years, the results are in. A majority of Shad participants study science, technology, engineering or math as undergrads. More than half of Shad’s participants each year are bright young women and many go on to receive awards like Loran Scholarships and Schulich Leader Scholarships for post-secondary education. A large majority continue to live and contribute their talents in Canada. Shads are delivering on their promise becoming STEAM leaders who are making strong positive impacts at work, at home, and in their communities. Donors make it all possible.
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Shad is fortunate to have caring individual, corporate, and foundation donors, and you’re all equally important! Many supporters have been engaged with our mission for years or decades. Shad is committed to creating custom partnerships, offering a range of opportunities that meet your goals, with demonstrated accountability and impact.
You’ll be contacted promptly with grateful thanks for your gift. You’ll receive your charitable receipt in a timely fashion. You’ll have complete access to our team for answers to your questions. Your information will be safeguarded with the utmost respect for your privacy. You’ll hear from us with updates and news, so you know how your gift made a difference. If your partnership with us includes specific goals, we’ll make sure you know exactly how they were accomplished.
Your support isn’t so much TO Shad, as THROUGH Shad – to the future of Canada’s up-and-coming STEAM leaders and changemakers. Your visionary support will transform young futures – and the country’s economic and social vitality.
Contact Ann Brookes
contact: info@shad.ca