English Archives

FairPlay – Making “play” more accessible to children with disabilities

Playing with toys off-the-shelf is a luxury many children living with a disability are not able to experience. Through a partnership with FairPlay, a women led non-profit organization, Shads at the McGill campus learned to make switch-adapted toys and deliver them to children with disabilities in their communities.

Full-STEAM ahead for Rankin Inlet student

She’s never flown alone before, but those nerves aren’t stopping 16-year-old Jaidyn Verbeek from pushing full-steam ahead on fundraising to take the opportunity of a lifetime and join the month-long Shad Canada summer program this July. “I’m sure when it comes to it, I’ll figure it out,” said the Grade 10 Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik student […]

Michelle McFarlane – Black History Month and raising the bar on equity, diversity and inclusion for underrepresented youth in STEM

Shad alumni, a scholar in STEM academics and on a mission to break down barriers, Michelle is making a difference for youth across Canada.

Mental health, stepping out of your comfort zone and the Shad experience

Jess Tang, Program Director from Shad UBC shares insights about the Shad experience and why she believes the Shad community is helpful in establishing healthy baselines after two years of pandemic living.

Shad alum and 2SLGBTQ+ and sexual and reproductive health advocate Topaza Yu appointed to Prime Minister’s Youth Council

2SLGBTQ+, sexual and reproductive health and rights are top of mind for Topaza Yu as one of 10 new members of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council.

Two Prince George youth appointed to StrongerBC Young Leaders Council

Two Prince George youth have been named to the StrongerBC Young leaders Council, which will provide direct and ongoing feedback to government on priorities and policies that matter to youth. Damon Robinson, 23, and Prabhnoor Sidhu, 16, both from Prince George, were appointed to the 18-member council which received more than 250 applications. Prabhnoor Sidhu […]

From Languishing to Flow: Building a Brighter Future for Students

Over the past year, many people have felt helpless without a sense of purpose. This loss was amplified by the lack of extracurricular activities for high school students. Shad offers students an opportunity to find connection and purpose while also achieving mastery, mindfulness, and flow.

From FIRST Robotics to Shad, alum shares passion for STEAM, leadership, and inclusivity

Shad2019 Mehak Dhaliwal reflects on her Shad and FIRST Robotics Canada experiences and shares how she is making STEAM more accessible with non-profit, SPARK.

One bead at a time: Shad alum talks business, Indigenous culture, and connection

Shad2021 Azaria shares how her beading business connected her to a supportive community in Saskatchewan, her First Nations roots —and eventually to like-minded peers across the country during the Shad program.

Exploring mentorship and design thinking at Shad

Design thinking, mentorship, teamwork. Get a glimpse of our signature real-world design challenge and discover the building blocks that turn ideas into solutions, strangers into teammates, and Shads into innovators.

Design challenge spotlight: Three innovative solutions from teams across Canada

Curious about this year’s real-world design challenge solutions? From an eco-friendly fertilizer to an educational app to a liquid waste absorbing tablet, three Shad teams shared their innovative ideas with us.