Founded in 1981 in Aurora, Ontario, Shad Canada has grown into a national platform that partners with leading post-secondary institutions across the country to deliver immersive STEAM and entrepreneurship programs for high school students. What began as a bold idea has become a launchpad for youth potential, empowering more than 27,000 alumni to carry Shad’s spirit of creativity, resilience, and leadership into universities, careers, and communities across Canada and beyond.
Our mission is to ignite youth potential through transformative learning with a vision to create lasting impact by inspiring a generation of innovators and leaders. At Shad, we believe every young person has the ability to ask big questions, take bold steps, and shape a brighter future. By helping students discover their passions, build confidence, and join a lifelong community of changemakers, we aim to strengthen Canada’s future and contribute to a better world.
Amit Vijay from Winnipeg and Crystal Drummond from Peterborough program a robot at the 1987 BC Shad Valley Program
We value the freedom to explore, create, and innovate.
We aspire to excellence in all we do.
We are committed to the respect, cooperation, and shared fun that builds a powerful, supportive community, while remaining mindful of the safety and well-being of that community.
We value diversity and open discussion.
Our behaviour is always governed by respect for others and the highest standards of ethical conduct.
Students discover new options, new paths, and a stronger desire to make a difference.
Students learn to see needs clearly and build the confidence to tackle difficult challenges.
Students try new things, learn from failure, adapt, and persevere.
Students collaborate with motivated peers and build a network of mentors and supporters.
Students think critically, lead with empathy, communicate clearly, and act on their ideas.
