Shad 2026: Application deadline: Dec 1, 2025  –  APPLY NOW!

Shad 2026: Application deadline: Dec 1, 2025  –  APPLY NOW!

Supporters

Generous donor support provides extraordinary live-in STEAM and entrepreneurship programs for driven, aspirational youth across Canada.

Your generosity allows students to express endless curiosity, explore a love of learning, and strive for their full potential.

Shad's 40+ year

Impact Report

Click here to read it

Generous donors are the reason Shad’s work is possible.

Donor support helps youth reimagine their potential and their futures. Companies, foundations, government and individuals (including alumni, parents, staff, and board members) are essential supporters of Shad.

NB Power logo
John Dobson Foundation logo
NWMO logo
Government
Tribute Gifts

In Memory:

Voices of Generosity

The joy & power of giving.
What our donors say about supporting Shad:

Andrea Barrack

Senior Vice President,
Sustainability & Impact, RBC

"RBC believes in the power of ideas to support people and planet. That's why we're focused on supporting important programs that help prepare the next generation with skills for a thriving future. With the right tools and resources, we can help them reach their full potential so they may contribute big ideas that strengthen our collective prosperity."

“I'm not aware of a lot of other programs in Canada that do what Shad does,” said Matteo Bernabo, a Science Policy Fellow at the NRC. “Shad is the next level as a national program at university campuses, engaging students in real research with professionals affiliated with university research centers.”

Matteo Bernabo

Shad Donor, National Research Council of Canada

Aaron Bennett

Shad Alum and Donor

“As a Canadian, now more than ever, we need people that are going to do complex and interesting things. And that requires people that know how to work in groups and understand how to approach a problem thoughtfully - things students learn at Shad, surrounded by other ambitious kids who encourage and inspire each other.”

How one Shad Parent’s donation is providing opportunity for deserving students

“We’ve always given charitably, but more a little bit here, a little bit there. We never really found the thing that compelled us to give a more significant donation in one place. But I think because Zoë came back so life changed, we knew a donation to Shad was going towards something really meaningful in the life of a deserving student or students.

 

– Meghan Sharir, Shad Parent and Donor

Empower

Your financial support will have
a lasting impact by changing lives
and positively transforming
Canada's STEAM future.

Resilience

Connection

Through Shad, participants will:

Hone their science, technology,
engineering, arts and
math (STEAM) skills

Follow their passion
for STEAM

Shape their
educational paths

Develop their
workplace readiness

Build their skills
and networks

Explore their enthusiasm
for innovation and
entrepreneurship

Faqs

Frequently asked questions

Below are common questions that come up about Shad as a charity.

The participant fee covers 2/3 of the actual cost for a student to attend Shad. Donor generosity keeps the participant fee reasonable. In addition, through donors, Shad provides bursaries for students who require more help — up to and including the full cost of the program, plus travel.

Current need is $3 million and growing, as programming and participant numbers grow to meet demand. As Shad succeeds in reaching more vulnerable youth, so does the need to increase financial support, to ensure vulnerable youth can accept their offer with confidence.

After close to 40 years, the results are in. 85% of Shad participants study science, technology, engineering or math as undergrads. More than half of Shad’s participants each year are bright young women and many go on to receive awards like Loran Scholarships and Schulich Leader Scholarships for post-secondary education. A large majority continue to live and contribute their talents in Canada. Shads are delivering on their promise becoming STEAM leaders who are making strong positive impacts at work, at home, and in their communities. Donors make it all possible.

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Shad is fortunate to have caring supporters from each of these groups, and you’re all equally important! Many supporters have been engaged with our mission for years or decades. Shad is committed to creating custom partnerships, offering a range of opportunities that meet your goals, with demonstrated accountability and impact.

You’ll be contacted promptly with grateful thanks for your gift. You’ll receive your charitable receipt in a timely fashion. You’ll have complete access to our team for answers to your questions. Your information will be safeguarded with the utmost respect for your privacy. You’ll hear from us with updates and news, so you know how your gift made a difference. If your partnership with us includes specific goals, we’ll make sure you know exactly how they were accomplished.

Your support isn’t so much TO Shad, as THROUGH Shad – to the future of Canada’s up-and-coming STEAM leaders and changemakers. Your visionary support will transform young futures – and the country’s economic and social vitality.

Contact Mary Dever