On behalf of Shad Canada’s 27,000+ alumni, we would like to officially welcome you as a new member of the Shad Alumni Network.
Huge congrats on completing Shad 2026 – I couldn’t be more pleased to welcome you into the Shad Alumni Network!
By now, you are likely experiencing that bittersweet post-Shad program syndrome – a feeling of pride having completed Shad’s Program, combined with the sadness of parting with the close friends you’ve made over the past month. While you may feel as if your Shad experience is behind you, it is in fact, only the beginning.
The best way to stay connected with alumni, as well as with us at Shad Canada, is to join the Alumni Group on LinkedIn and the Alumni Facebook Group. Members of the Network use LinkedIn and Facebook to connect with each other. So be sure to create a LinkedIn profile, add your Shad experience under education, and join the Shad Alumni Official LinkedIn Group.
Another good reason to join these groups and keep your contact information up to date is to receive invitations to alumni receptions and events – if we know where you are living, we can be sure to include you on the invitation list for our alumni events. So don’t forget to let us know if you move, especially if you attend post-secondary away from home.
I believe that a strong network of supporters and contacts is a secret weapon when it comes to a meaningful and accomplished career as a change agent. I encourage you to grow your Shad network, not only for your future success, but also to highlight the impact of your Shad experience.
Best of luck as you embark on this next chapter. I look forward to meeting you in the future and will follow your journeys with great interest as you make the world a better place!
Director, Shad Network, debbie@shad.ca
To-Do List:
Become a Shad Ambassador and help us recruit for the 2027 program
Let us know if your email or address or location changes so we can stay in touch and keep our records current.
Get a Shad Reference Letter. For university or scholarship applications, email debbie@shad.ca with the subject line: Shad Reference Letter. Please don’t contact your program team—references are handled by the alumni office. If you’re applying for scholarships like Schulich, Loran, or Morehead-Cain, be sure to include the details, as your letter must be addressed specifically.
You’re going places—tell us about it! Share your personal, educational, or business milestones (photos welcome!) and let us celebrate your success with you.
Review exclusive scholarships for Shad alumni
Most importantly, be Shad proud! Remember to wear your Shad pins, include your Shad designation on your LinkedIn page, on your CV and education applications, or in any bio or description you create for websites, speaking engagements etc.
Who’s in your Shad Alumni Network?
Your Shad experience doesn’t end when the program does – it’s just the beginning. As part of the Shad Alumni Network, you’re now connected to a powerful, lifelong community of innovators, leaders, and changemakers.
Since 1981, the Network has grown from 42 founding members to over 27,000 alumni across Canada and around the world.
By the numbers:
alumni
live across Canada
countries with Shad alumni
alumni range in age
currently pursuing education at different stages
have progressed into their careers
Shads are here to support one another—whether it’s sharing advice, scholarship tips, or career insights.
Over the next few months, we will be gradually rolling out a Shad Alumni City Connects Program in communities across Canada (and the World!) where Shad alumni live and work.
This will be a great way to connect with other Shad alumni who live near you!
Each year, we will plan several in-person alumni receptions in various locations. To ensure you receive an invite for any events in your area, please be sure to send me your current email address and location if it is different from the one you applied to Shad with.
All events will be listed on the alumni page on our website.
Shad Canada’s partner universities recognize the calibre of Shad alumni and offer exclusive scholarship opportunities in return. For a full list with direct links to each university, visit the Exclusive Scholarships section of the Shad website.
Please note that Shad Canada does not have any influence on who is selected for these scholarships. Each university administers the scholarships, and any questions should be directed to them.
We are often asked how Shad alumni can help Shad Canada following the program. Here are a few ideas:
If you know a business/donor who believes in programs like Shad for youth, please connect with Ann Brookes ann@shad.ca to discuss.
If you have Shad friends at your high school, consider organizing a fundraising event (walk-a-thon, hack-a-thon, bake sale etc.) – it doesn’t matter how much is raised, every little bit helps!
Make a charitable donation at a level that is comfortable to you.
Feel free to reach out to us to share ideas and discuss.
We are super excited about the future of Shad, and with an incredible alumni network of 27,000 changemakers like you, we are confident that more Shad = more impact on the future of Canada! Thank you for being a part of this journey!
