A-Plus

Immerse yourself in a 24-7 experience focused on the A-Plus in STEAM

Live on campus and explore dorm-life and campus-life. Get hands-on training in the arts, leadership, humanities and social sciences, while also looking at the impacts of STEM.

A-Plus program

Shad’s A-Plus experience is a program designed for students who want to take their Shad experience to the next level, blending STEM with the power of humanities, business, and social innovation. With a human-centered approach to problem solving, the A-Plus program explores how technology, empathy, and systems thinking come together to drive meaningful change. You’ll dive deeper into leadership, collaboration, and the ethical dimensions of decision-making, while learning how to navigate complex challenges that shape our world—from climate action and healthcare to economic inequality and digital transformation.

This is where big ideas meet real-world application. Whether you’re passionate about building startups, leading policy change, or reimagining the future of communities, Shad’s A-Plus program will help you refine your voice, expand your toolkit, and connect with peers who are just as driven to make a difference.

Putting the “A” in STEAM

“Interdisciplinary education is so important; everything works together to support the other. Math supports Art, Art supports Science, it’s all related and important. And being able to work in multiple disciplines is going to become increasingly important as things continue to change with new technologies.”

– Bronwyn Roberts, Shad alum

A Day at Shad

What to expect

Shad runs 24/7 with a packed schedule of interactive learning, interdisciplinary design challenges, and unforgettable campus life. You’ll work closely in design teams to solve real-world problems, all while engaging with inspiring keynote speakers, professors, entrepreneurs, and innovators who connect what you’re learning to the world beyond the classroom. It’s a fully immersive experience that blends science, tech, arts, and business—bringing your future just a little closer, one exciting day at a time.

The Shad program follows a dynamic daily schedule, combining academic learning with hands-on experiences.

“Shad taught me about all the opportunities available if you just look for them. It was just mind blowing to see how many programs exist that I didn't know about but would love to try.”

Morning Sessions

Mornings typically feature engaging lectures and workshops.

Recreational Break

Physical activities and recreational breaks are included to promote well-being and teamwork.

Afternoon Projects

Afternoons focus on collaborative group projects.

Afternoon Sports

Active recreational time includes team sports that promote movement, build strength and spark connection.

Evening Events

Evenings often offer networking opportunities, guest speakers, or group events, ensuring participants stay connected and continue developing skills in creativity, leadership, and innovation.

Shad’s all-star teams

Shad brings together over 1,700 high-achieving students from across Canada with a team of passionate, experienced Program Directors who play a key role in guiding and inspiring the community.

“There’s something truly extraordinary that happens here. Each summer, I get to work with students from across Canada who develop into these brilliant individuals because they’ve been able to benefit from the collective experience at Shad.”

Kingsley Hurlington

Program Director

A Day at Shad

“Shad taught me about all the opportunities available if you just look for them. It was just mind blowing to see how many programs exist that I didn't know about but would love to try.”

Noah Cappelle