We take youth to the next level.
They take it further.
Shad is a month-long program for grade 10 & 11s. Pan-Canadian classrooms with university level STEAM and entrepreneurship content and access to mentors. Selection process in place. Limited spots available.
This isn’t a summer camp.
This is your next level
life experience.
At Shad students participate in hands-on learning, collaborate in design teams, explore post-secondary institutions, engage with academic and entrepreneurial mentors, experience vulnerability training, and meet some of the most passionate dreamers in Gen Z.
Why Shad:
We know diversity matters.
That’s why we create
purposeful community
at Shad.
At Shad students collaborate and build meaningful relationships outside of their hometown. Each campus, and each design team, has a mix of rural and urban participants from diverse economic backgrounds. Students learn the value of their own perspective and the differing perspectives of those around them.
Community goes beyond diversity and requires inclusivity. We are purposeful about reaching students in Black, Indigenous and 2SLGBTQI+ communities and students with disabilities that are traditionally underrepresented. We make sure there are multiple perspectives and diverse strengths in a learning environment like no other.
Partnership with Pathways to Education and Black Boys Code and connections with regional school boards, educators, guidance counsellors, community and social change organizations and STEM organizations help us recruit students from all parts of Canada. And thanks to supportive donors we can provide $1-million in bursaries and scholarships most years.
We use STEAM as a force for Good. #STEAM4Good.
We equip youth to take on social and economic challenges with a STEAM lens. Each campus tackles the same real-world problem and designated design teams, with assigned mentors, develop STEAM-based solutions. Products, pitches, presentations to panels, this is an entrepreneurial experience with a social impact twist. And one of the most loved aspects of our program.
Shad News
Real connections, real fast. Shad’s Alumni Network is also part of the package.
The #Shadpride lives on years after the program is complete. Program participants join Shad’s Alumni Network. With over 23,000 members, this group has access to exclusive scholarships, events and career nights. And like typical professional networks it is a breeding ground for career advice, business opportunities, sharing knowledge and like-minded friendship. Nice perk.
Shad to NASA: A Research
Scientist reroutes her passions
and helps astronauts
explore space
Darlene Lim has spent the past 16 years leading field investigations in deep oceans, deserts, lakes, polar regions and volcanic landscapes. Despite taking place all around the world, the projects are actually more telling about life far beyond our borders, even our planet.
Darlene Lim is a Research Scientist at the NASA Ames Research Center in California. With expertise in geobiology, space science and science operations, her work aims to help astronauts conduct scientific exploration as they return to the Moon and move onwards to Mars.
Pauline Fujita
Executive Director, Head of Scientific Insights Engineering Shad1994
Connor Campbell
Medical Sciences Student, Ivey AEO at Western University | Western National Indigenous Scholar Shad2023
Harsehaj Dhami
Morehead-Cain Scholar @ University of North Carolina Shad2022
Luke Heimpel
Integrated Media student at OCAD University | Shad Leader 2023 Shad2020
Michelle McFarlane
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Manager Shad2003
Ajay Varia
Co-Founder & CEO of Growth Nirvana Shad1997
Alecia Chen
COO, Climb Credit Shad2001
Aneil Gokhale
Director, Philanthropy @ Toronto Foundation Shad1996
Kayla Jeanson
Filmmaker | Video Documentalist | Interdisciplinary artist Shad2004
Chris Hsiung
Social Advocator through Digital Storytelling Shad1994
Xiya Ma
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Resident, Université de Montréal Shad2011
Lucas Moodley
Research Student @ SickKids | Pharmaceutical Sciences @ UBC Shad2022Life after Shad
Shad alumni across North America, and around the world, are leading businesses, making discoveries, innovating and using STEAM as a force for good. Meet some of the alumni in our Network who are making a difference.
