Programs

Where Big Ideas Come to Life

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. Whether you’re looking to explore a new campus, connect face-to-face with peers, or challenge yourself digitally, every Shad program is built on the same foundation: hands-on STEAM learning, real-world problem solving, and a national network of like-minded youth. Each path offers something unique—but all lead to personal growth, bold ideas, and a deeper understanding of your potential.

Live-in

Experience life on campus and build lasting connections through a fully immersive, in-person Shad journey.

Format: In-person, staying on a post-secondary campus 24/7

Duration: 27-days, June 29 – July 25, 2025 (24 hrs/day, 7 days a week)

Includes: Staying at a post-secondary campus, hands-on workshops, team projects, real campus life, off-campus field trips

Best for: Students who want the full immersive experience.

Virtual

Innovation without borders. Same transformative Shad experience with more flexibility and a digital-first approach built for today’s world.

Format: Online

Access: From anywhere in Canada (or even abroad), June 30 – July 25, 2025 (Monday – Friday only, 11 am – 5 pm ET)

Includes: Virtual workshops, lectures, group projects, guest speakers, virtual field trips

Best for: Students who require flexibility to stay local—whether balancing part-time work, supporting family, or pursuing elite-level athletics. A full immersive program right to your home.

A-Plus

No big problem was ever solved alone—Shad A-Plus hones your leadership, teamwork, and changemaking skills to drive real-world impact through a powerful blend of humanities, arts, business thinking and STEM.

Format: In-person, living 24/7 on a post-secondary campus

Duration: 27-days, June 29 – July 25, 2025 (24 hrs/day, 7 days a week)

Includes: Staying at a post-secondary campus, hands-on workshops, team projects, real campus life

Best for: Deep thinkers and big question-askers—students who are curious about people, culture, and the forces shaping our world. Through creative collaboration, discussion, and exploration, you’ll discover how the arts can drive innovation and meaningful change.

Unplugged

Go offline to plug into deeper conversations, meaningful friendships, and distraction-free discovery.

Format: In-person, staying on a post-secondary campus in a semi-tech-free (no social media) environment

Duration: 27-days, June 29 – July 25, 2025 (24 hrs/day, 7 days a week)

Includes: Staying at a post-secondary campus, hands-on workshops, team projects, real campus life

Best for: Students who want to ditch the noise—no phones, just real conversations, deep connections, and hands-on challenges in a campus setting. With your laptop, your mind, and your team, you’ll take on innovation and adventure like never before.

Credits

Turn your Shad experience into academic power—earn high school credits while exploring innovation, leadership, and STEM.

Videos

Get an inside look at Shad—where innovation meets community.

Our best advocates are the Shad participants themselves — hear from a few of our favourites.