This summer marked our largest program yet, with over 1,700 students taking part across 25 campuses.
Among them was Chloe, a Shad A-Plus participant, who shared how Shad helped her see connections between the arts and science and reinforced her passion for medicine. Stories like Chloe’s show how Shad empowers students nationwide to explore new possibilities and build the skills they’ll carry into the future.
Shad offers transformative programs for grade 10 and 11 students across Canada. With live-in and virtual programs, and specialty options like A-Plus and Unplugged, students engage in STEAM learning, mentorship, and innovation, building the confidence and leadership skills they’ll carry into the future.
Early Bird Advantage: Apply by November 3. The first 650 accepted applicants are guaranteed placement at one of their top 10 campus choices.
Over two evenings in Toronto, Shad alumni gathered for Bold Ideas for Canada, hosted by the Conference Board of Canada.
Through panels, fireside conversations, and collaborative sessions, they explored solutions to some of Canada’s biggest challenges showcasing how the Shad network continues to drive innovation and impact.
Meera Nelson, a Shad alum from the Greater Toronto Area is passionate about STEAM and entrepreneurship, serves in student leadership roles, and credits her Shad experience with building her confidence and deepening her understanding of sustainability.
Devin Buffalo, a Shad alum born in Maskwacis, Alberta, leveraged his experiences from Shad, Dartmouth University, and law school to found Waniska Athletics and pursue legal work in Indigenous advocacy, aiming to challenge stereotypes and uplift Indigenous youth.
Shad students across 25 campuses spent four weeks working with mentors and experts to design and build sustainable transportation prototypes from smart navigation glasses for cyclists to self-healing asphalt that
addressed real Canadian environmental and infrastructure challenges.
Eden Full Goh, a Shad alum, used lessons in engineering, leadership, and collaboration from her time at Shad and later at Princeton University and in the Thiel Fellowship to build Mobot. Mobot is a robotics-and-AI powered platform that automates real-world device testing to help companies deliver safer, higher-quality products faster.
Shad empowers students to explore their passions, build confidence, and join a select community of changemakers shaping Canada’s future. Our recruiters are connecting with schools, STEM clubs, and community hubs across the country to ensure more talented young people have the chance to experience Shad. Let us know where we should be next.
Contact Ebony@shad.ca to book a Shad recruiter in your community.
Every Shad applicant has curiosity, drive and a desire to shape Canada’s future. Not everyone has the financial resources to get there. Will you choose to be the difference, and make sure every member of the Class of 2026 can step into Shad knowing finances won’t hold them back? People like you make barrier-free access possible, giving the gift of dreaming without limits.
University of Regina hosted a cohort of 75 high school students igniting friendships, innovation, and impact
UMNews: The transformative power of the Shad Manitoba experience
St. Thomas University: Hosted 61 high school students from across Canada for the inaugural Shad A+ program, blending STEAM, social sciences, and humanities to foster leadership and innovation
Sudbury.com: Laurentian University hosted 62 high-achieving students from across Canada for the Shad Canada program, where teams developed innovative sustainable transportation solutions.
Wilfrid Laurier University: Hosted more than 60 high school students for the Shad Laurier program, offering hands-on STEAM and entrepreneurship learning across Waterloo and Brantford campuses.
University of Waterloo: Shad participants showcased their design project solutions and shared program highlights at a public open house on July 24 at Conrad Grebel University College’s Great Hall.
CTV News: University of Guelph joined as a new host campus for Shad Canada, welcoming 60 high school students for a month-long STEAM and entrepreneurship program.
Saint Mary’s University: Welcomed its first cohort of high school students for the Shad Canada program, a 27-day STEAM and entrepreneurship experience in Halifax.
Surrey Schools: 34 students from eight secondary schools were selected to join Shad Canada 2025, a month-long STEAM and entrepreneurship program hosted at partner universities across the country.
Applications for Shad2026 are now open!
Early Bird Advantage
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.
