Shad Canada
Where Big Ideas Come To Life
About Shad Canada
Shad offers a suite of immersive programs designed to ignite curiosity, build confidence, and prepare students in Grades 10 and 11 to thrive in a fast-changing world.
Every Shad program follows a balanced design—blending hands-on STEAM and entrepreneurship projects, vibrant community-building experiences, and real-world design challenges. Beyond classroom-based projects, participants also take part in unforgettable excursions that spark discovery and showcase the wonders of Canada's nature and heritage.
What begins as one immersive summer month (live-in or virtual) becomes a lifelong network and a call to impact, igniting youth potential and creating lasting impact for Canada and the world.
Series Completion Incentive
5x Entrance Scholarships
Deadline 1: Grade 10, 11
January 5th, 2026
Deadline 2: Grade 7, 8, 9
May 30th, 2026
How This Incentive Works
Series Completion Incentives require students to complete all nine Industry Immersion Series activities. You don't have to complete each activity within its sponsored month, but you do need to complete all of them. For Grade 10 & 11 students, because the Shad application deadline is in January, you'll need to complete the October, November, and December activities, AND indicate your interest in earning an Entrance Scholarship to the 2026 Shad program, before January 5th, 2026. It's fine if you didn't complete the October and November activity within those months. You can still complete them now. You won't be eligible for one of those months' micro-grants, but once an activity opens it stays open for the remainder of the school year. If you complete the December activity in December, you will be eligible for the pool of December micro-grants. If selected for one of the 5 Shad Canada Entrance Scholarships, you'll be required to continue completing all Industry Immersion Series activities for the remainder of the school year. For Grade 7, 8 & 9 students, if you earn an Entrance Scholarship to a Shad program, it won't be for 2026—it will be for an eligible summer when you're in Grade 10 or 11.
For Grade 10 & 11 Students
- Submit the October, November & December Industry Immersion Series activities AND indicate your interest to apply for one of the Shad Canada 2026 Program Entrance Scholarships before January 5th, 2026
- January 5th | Winners announced
- January 23rd | Deadline for selected recipients to complete content portion of the Shad application
- If selected, continue completing all remaining Industry Immersion Series activities by school year-end
For Grade 7, 8, 9 Students
- Submit all 9 Industry Immersion Series activities before May 30, 2026
- Your participation is tracked automatically. If you are in grade 7, 8, 9 and you complete all 9 monthly Industry Immersion Series activities, you will be automatically entered to win an Entrance Scholarship to a future Shad program
- In June 2026, one winner per grade will be selected
- Your scholarship covers a future Shad program when you are age eligible (grade 10 or 11), not 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about this incentive
The Shad summer program is a month-long enrichment experience held at university campuses across Canada. Students engage in STEAM workshops, entrepreneurship challenges, and personal development activities while building lifelong connections with peers and mentors.
An Entrance Scholarship is equivalent to a full-ride scholarship. So, with an Entrance Scholarship you will be able to attend either an in-person or virtual summer program at no cost to you.
Note that any travel expenses required for you to get to/from a Live-in campus are not included as part of the scholarship.
Shad accepts applications from students in grades 10 and 11 from across Canada. The program looks for curious, engaged students who want to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
With a limited number of spots available every year, there is a selection process in place to determine participants. Our selection process examines more than academics. We look for potential: the spark of leadership, a willingness to collaborate, and the courage to think differently.
Yes, applications are open now. You can apply now at: https://www.shad.ca/apply/
You can indicate in your application that you're also participating in the Industry Immersion Series incentive opportunity.
Apply before Dec. 15 for a chance to win a lunch with Shad CEO, Tim Jackson.
Live-in:
• Format: In-person, staying on a post-secondary campus 24/7
• Duration: 27-days, July 5 – July 31, 2026 (24 hrs/day, 7 days a week)
• Includes: Staying at a post-secondary campus, hands-on workshops, team projects, real campus life, off-campus field trips
• Best for: Students who want the full immersive experience.
Virtual:
• Format: Online
• Access: From anywhere in Canada (or even abroad), July 6 – July 31, 2025 (Monday – Friday only, 11 am – 5 pm ET)
• Includes: Virtual workshops, lectures, group projects, guest speakers, virtual field trips
• Best for: Students who require flexibility to stay local—whether balancing part-time work, supporting family, or pursuing elite-level athletics. A full immersive program right to your home.
You can learn more at: https://www.shad.ca/shad-programs/
You can learn more about the fees, financial support, and what's included at: https://www.shad.ca/participate/
Leave your name and school email here.
We'll also be adding this link to individual Industry Immersion Series activity pages.
Note that we'll be communicating with you by email, so it's your responsibility to stay on top of communications so that you don't miss out on any important details.
While Shad evaluates each application holistically, completing the Industry Immersion Series demonstrates initiative, curiosity about career pathways, and commitment to personal growth; all qualities that align with what Shad looks for in applicants.
• Each month, a new industry partner releases a skill-building challenge designed to introduce students to occupations and opportunities in their industry.
• Students individually work on the challenge, developing awareness of industry opportunities, relevant skills, post-secondary pathways, and more.
• Completed work is submitted and assessed against a rubric for review by the selection committee. Twenty submissions will be selected each month.
• Outstanding submissions receive micro grants and recognition from industry partners. $10,000 in micro grants are awarded EACH month, with extra participation incentives available for students, educators, and schools.
Click the myBlueprint logo in the top left of this page to learn more.
That's okay. The Industry Immersion Series is open to any Grade 7-12 student across Canada. You don't need to be using myBlueprint to participate in the Industry Immersion Series or this incentive collaboration with Shad Canada.