Ignite youth potential.

Create lasting impact.

Insaf shares how her time at Shad has inspired her to dream bigger and expand her beliefs on what’s possible.

Started in Aurora, Ontario in 1981 as Shad Valley, Shad Canada now offers a widespread STEAM and entrepreneurship program for grade 10 & 11 students.

This experiential program is offered at university campuses across Canada and has benefited more than 22,000 Shads who are part of our alumni network. With a limited number of spots available every year, there is a selection process in place to determine participants.

Amil Vijay, from Winnipeg, and Crystal Drummond, from Peterborough, program a robot at the 1987 UBC Shad Valley Program
Amit Vijay from Winnipeg and Crystal Drummond from Peterborough program a robot at the 1987 BC Shad Valley Program

Our Values

Creativity

We cherish the freedom to explore, create, and innovate.

Excellence

We aspire to excellence in all we do.

Community

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.
diversitycreativityexcellencecommunityresponsibilityproblem solvingentrepreneurial mindsetpassionsconnectionschangemaker

Diversity

We value diversity and open discussion.

Responsibility

Our behaviour is always governed by respect for others and the highest standards of ethical conduct.

Intended Impacts
of the Shad Program

Awaken Passion

A broadened set of options and paths.

A heightened social consciousness and desire to make a difference in the world.

Solve Problems

The ability to see problems and needs.

The confidence and courage to tackle problems that appear unsolvable.

The skills to solve.

Embrace Risk and an Entrepreneurial Mindset

Willingness to try new things and take appropriate risks.

Accept failure as part of learning.

Adapt, thrive and persevere in the face of challenges.

Make and Leverage Strong Connections

Discover the value of collaborating with motivated and passionate students.

A peer network to count on.

Access to mentors who challenge and support.

Have Change Maker Capabilities

Think outside the box, think critically, collaborate, demonstrate empathy, communicate effectively, lead self and others.

Recognize and use skills to make change.