Here are various common questions that come up about Shad and our programs:
Program / General
Live-in / A-Plus / Unplugged: July 5 – July 31 | 24/7
Virtual: July 6 – July 31 | Monday – Friday, 11 am – 5 pm ET
Shad’s Live-in program is hosted at our carefully selected post-secondary campuses and Shad’s Virtual program is powered by Athabasca University.
Learn more about Shad’s Live-in experience and Shad’s Virtual experience and our two program options – Unplugged and A-Plus.
The number and locations of Shad campuses offering A-Plus and Unplugged will be determined by the demand from accepted applicants.
While we take into consideration your preferred campus options, Shad ultimately chooses your campus in order to promote a 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.
Students who require accommodations related to disabilities, cultural/religious practices, or any other human rights protected ground 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.
Fees
Learn more about Shad’s program fee, financial assistance, scholarships and more.
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 5, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
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 Michelle@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.
All applicants will be informed of their status (accepted, declined) in February 2026. Decisions around financial assistance will be communicated at the same time.
For questions not covered here, please contact info@shad.ca for your request.
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.
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.
11883 0025 RR0001
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
