The SHAD Experience
A month of STEAM, entrepreneurship, and unforgettable growth at Western University.
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.
— SHAD Canada
In the summer of 2024, I had the chance to attend SHAD at Western University. It was the best month of my life.
Surrounded by amazing peers and mentors who challenged me to think differently, I felt free to express myself. The entire month was filled with numerous educational activities including lectures, workshops, labs and also recreational activities. Each day was packed but always fun.
Structure at SHAD
SHAD splits you into three main groups: houses, design project groups and committees.
Houses were groups of around 8 students where we would complete activities together. Travelling, attending workshops, and games were all done with one’s house. House 12 felt like a second home to me.
Design Project Groups: The technical highlight of SHAD is working on a design project. For our year, it focused on making green energy more affordable and accessible to all. We received mentorship from the faculty/students at Ivey and the Morissette Institute of Entrepreneurship for these projects.
Our team developed SolarLink, a solar-powered EV charging station designed to reduce range anxiety. After weeks of iteration, we won the Best Tri-fold award. It was a great experience that deepened my understanding of sustainable design.
Committees were groups dedicated to creating an experience or a souvenir for SHAD. There was SHAD Swag (creation of a 2nd hoodie), SHAD Newsletter, Coffee House & Talent Show, International Night, Open Day, SHAD Olympics, SHAD Band, and finally Monthbook Committee which I was on. Although it was less of a focus, it was a great experience to run an event or create a piece that we could take home ourselves.
On a regular day, this is what our schedule would look like:
2-3 lectures
2 activities led by Program Assistants/Managers/Directors
Team and house bonding/work time
Three meals (our campus had some of the best food from what I’ve heard)
Curfew at 11pm
We would also have special days and excursions usually on weekends. The following is a list of those events:
Excursions
Camp Impeesa (camping, stargazing, competitive bridge building, campfire, SHAD Olympics)
London Majors game (baseball)
Sunfest (food and culture festival)
Stratford festival (watched Something Rotten Musical)
Grand Bend beach day
Canada’s Wonderland (amusement park)
Special Events
Fancy Friday (formal dinner)
Coffee House (performances) & Talent Show (performances)
International night (different cuisines, cultural wear fashion show)
Misc
Stem2Stern Muskoka chair making (learning about power tools, woodworking)
Masonville Place (buying food court food/personal items/souvenirs)
Hume Cronyn Memorial Observatory (stargazing)
Worth It?
Now comes the big question. SHAD costs $7260 (with $2710 covered by donors) per person. However, they provide generous financial aid need blind and cover all/most demonstrated need. 1 in 3 participants receive aid from SHAD Canada.
SHAD is a catalyst that you will never forget. Whether you’re interested in science, arts or business, you’ll find the right people there.
Each of SHAD’s 20+ campuses will have its own events and workshops, but it is guaranteed to be an amazing experience.
To everyone who made SHAD possible— the SHADs, Program Assistants, Program Leads and mentors—thank you for creating the best summer of my life.
Amazing article as always! I love how you included a list of all the activities :)
Great insights, Jonathan! I love how you were able to describe SHAD outside of just academics, as it is often these little spontaneous activities that shape one's experience (i.e. baseball).