Shad Live-in Program
    In-person Program

    Shad Live-in Program

    by Shad Canada

    Shad Live-in combines hands-on STEAM learning, entrepreneurship projects and campus life to help students explore their interests and build confidence.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Shad Live-in Program at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Applications open

    Eligibility

    Currently completing Grades 10-11

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 15-17

    Location / Region

    Guelph; Ottawa; Fredericton; Waterloo; Vancouver; Camrose; Toronto; Halifax; London; Calgary; Charlottetown; Prince George; Lethbridge; Kamloops; Antigonish; Regina; Red Deer; Oshawa; Sackville; St. John's; Hamilton; Thunder Bay

    Cost

    $7,875; $12,475

    Duration

    27 days

    Format

    In-person

    Application deadline

    8 November 2026

    Save deadline
    ScienceTechnologyEngineeringArtMathematicsEntrepreneurship
    Language: English
    Accommodation: Post-secondary campus residence
    Meals: Three daily meals plus snacks
    Campus experience: Labs, facilities and field trips
    Mentor model: Minimum 1:8 mentor-to-student ratio
    Credit / Outcome: Conditional high school credit

    Shad Live-in Program summary

    Shad Live-in blends STEAM exploration, entrepreneurship and shared campus life. Lectures, labs and workshops connect academic ideas to practical challenges.

    A central team project asks students to develop and pitch a solution to a real-world problem. Mentors, community events and field trips add opportunities to learn from people outside the classroom.

    It suits students who enjoy exploring several subjects, collaborating closely and trying unfamiliar experiences.

    What is Shad Live-in Program?

    Shad Live-in Program is Shad Canada's residential summer experience combining STEAM exploration and entrepreneurship. Students learn through lectures, laboratories, workshops and collaborative challenges, with academic ideas linked to practical problems.

    Campus life forms part of the experience, alongside recreation, community events and field trips. A design and entrepreneurship team project gives students a shared task to develop, build and pitch, while professors, business leaders and mentors introduce different perspectives.

    Why Succeed highlights Shad Live-in Program

    • The team design project gives broad STEAM exploration a concrete purpose: developing and pitching a solution to a real-world challenge.

    • Professors, researchers, entrepreneurs and near-peer tutors connect academic learning with different study and career perspectives.

    • Residence life, field trips and community activities make independence and collaboration part of the learning experience.

    • Published income-based assistance and full or partial scholarships give eligible domestic families meaningful funding routes.

    Who is Shad Live-in Program for?

    Best for

    Curious students who want to explore connections between science, technology, arts and entrepreneurship while working closely with peers.

    Not ideal if

    You need a narrowly focused subject course or cannot commit to the full residential experience.

    Is Shad Live-in Program worth it?

    Shad is worth considering when you want to test academic interests through practical work and experience living in a learning community. Its strongest combination is broad subject exploration, a shared design project and access to mentors from academic and professional settings.

    The fee is substantial, particularly for international families, and travel and personal expenses add to the budget. Topics vary by campus, so the value depends on your interest in interdisciplinary discovery and your readiness for a demanding residential schedule.

    Sean, founder of Succeed

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    Founder, Succeed

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    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $7,875; $12,475; includes 27 days of on-campus accommodation, Meals and snacks for 27 days, Lectures by post-secondary professors, Seminars with researchers, business leaders and entrepreneurs, Hands-on workshops and STEAM labs, Program Director and near-peer tutor mentoring, Minimum 1:8 mentor-to-student ratio, Design & Entrepreneurship Team Project, Indigenous Knowledge Learning Opportunities, Enrichment field trips and corporate visits, Recreational trips, including camping and hiking, Social, cultural and sporting activities, Leadership and community-building initiatives.

    Accommodation

    Post-secondary campus residence

    Meals

    Three daily meals plus snacks

    Provider details

    Review the Shad Canada provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    27 days; Guelph; Ottawa; Fredericton; Waterloo; Vancouver; Camrose; Toronto; Halifax; London; Calgary; Charlottetown; Prince George; Lethbridge; Kamloops; Antigonish; Regina; Red Deer; Oshawa; Sackville; St. John's; Hamilton; Thunder Bay.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does Shad Live-in Program need?

    Effort level

    High.

    Best started

    Begin four to six weeks before your chosen application round to draft reflections, arrange a reference and discuss funding.

    Main challenge

    Giving specific personal examples and committing to the entire campus experience.

    Typical preparation

    • Choose two meaningful experiences that show initiative, leadership or personal growth.

    • Draft all four reflections within the 100-250-word limits, using concrete examples.

    • Ask your reference early and gather your most recent report card.

    • Discuss fees, funding, travel and any accommodation needs with your parent or guardian.

    Useful if

    You want to connect subject curiosity with collaboration, leadership and practical problem solving.

    What do students do on Shad Live-in Program?

    You explore interdisciplinary ideas through lectures, workshops, labs and field experiences while developing a team solution to a real-world challenge. Recreation, community activities and evening events make shared campus life part of the experience.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Explore STEAM and entrepreneurship through hands-on academic sessions.

    2. 2

      Work with a design team to understand a real-world problem.

    3. 3

      Develop, build and test ideas with peers and mentors.

    4. 4

      Pitch your team's solution and explain its purpose.

    5. 5

      Participate in field trips, recreation, speakers and community events throughout the program.

    Shad Live-in Program dates and deadlines

    Application deadline

    8 November 2026

    Final application round; 11:59 p.m. ET.

    Upcoming
    Save deadline

    Programme dates

    4-30 July 2027

    Upcoming

    Applications open

    September 2026

    Opening month; no specific day published.

    Past

    Early admission results

    First week of December 2026

    Financial assistance decisions are communicated with admission decisions.

    Date not confirmed

    Final admission results

    First week of February 2027

    Financial assistance decisions are communicated with admission decisions.

    Date not confirmed

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Currently completing Grade 10 or Grade 11.

    • Quebec applicants: currently completing Secondary IV or V.

    • Proficiency in spoken and written English is required.

    • Commit to attending the entire Live-in program.

    • Domestic and international students may apply.

    • No school nomination or cutoff academic average is required.

    How much does Shad Live-in Program cost?

    Domestic program fee

    $7,875 — CAD; academic program, residence, meals and activities included.

    Funding or discounts

    • International program fee: $12,475 — CAD; same Live-in format and published inclusions.
    • Application fee: Free
    • Acceptance deposit: $750 — Part of the fee; remaining balance paid in two installments.
    • Income-based assistance: Up to $7,875 — Domestic applicants may receive partial or full fee support.
    • Scholarships: Full or partial — Eligible domestic applicants apply within the Shad application.

    What's included

    27 days of on-campus accommodation, Meals and snacks for 27 days, Lectures by post-secondary professors, Seminars with researchers, business leaders and entrepreneurs, Hands-on workshops and STEAM labs, Program Director and near-peer tutor mentoring, Minimum 1:8 mentor-to-student ratio, Design & Entrepreneurship Team Project, Indigenous Knowledge Learning Opportunities, Enrichment field trips and corporate visits, Recreational trips, including camping and hiking, Social, cultural and sporting activities, Leadership and community-building initiatives

    How to apply to Shad Live-in Program

    1. 1

      Create an account or sign in through the Shad 2027 application portal.

    2. 2

      Select the Live-in program and complete your personal profile.

    3. 3

      Describe two meaningful experiences and write four reflections of 100-250 words each.

    4. 4

      Upload your most recent report card and provide your reference's name and email.

    5. 5

      Give your reference time to submit the confidential form directly to Shad.

    6. 6

      Request eligible financial support and complete the extra essay if seeking a scholarship.

    7. 7

      Proofread every section and submit your completed application.

    8. 8

      If accepted, follow the campus-allocation and fee-payment instructions.

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    What does Shad Live-in Program cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Applied Problem Solving & Entrepreneurship

    Explore human-centered design, venture building, business strategy and financial literacy through practical challenges.

    Emerging Fields & Science Frontiers

    Investigate scientific ideas such as health, genetics, chemistry, Earth systems and astronomy.

    Leadership & Future Readiness

    Practice public speaking, leadership, negotiation and creative confidence through shared challenges.

    Society, Culture & the Human Mind

    Explore creative arts, psychology, society, ethics and Indigenous knowledge to understand human perspectives.

    Technology, Engineering & Innovation

    Explore artificial intelligence, robotics, software, engineering and design through making and building.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Shad Live-in Program?

    A typical day during the program.

    Academic start

    The sample week has breakfast from 7:30 a.m. on Monday-Saturday, followed by lectures, labs and design work.

    Projects and recreation

    Labs and workshops feature from 1:30 p.m., with recreation often at 4 p.m. and field trips on selected days.

    Community and speakers

    The sample timetable places community events, mentor panels and committee activities from 7-9 p.m.

    Rest and curfew

    The sample timetable includes snack time before an 11 p.m. sleep curfew.

    Who teaches on Shad Live-in Program?

    Teaching includes lectures by post-secondary professors, seminars with researchers and business leaders, and workshops led by industry experts. Program Directors and near-peer tutors provide mentoring and coaching throughout the experience.

    The Live-in program publishes a minimum 1:8 mentor-to-student ratio.

    Where do students stay on Shad Live-in Program?

    Residential plan

    • Campus residence: Students live on a post-secondary campus for the full 27-day experience.
    • Meals and snacks: Three daily cafeteria meals and snacks are included throughout the program.
    • Staff and support: Program Directors and near-peer tutors provide support, and all staff and volunteers follow Shad's code of conduct.
    • Campus activities: The experience includes campus labs, social and sporting events, corporate visits and recreational field trips.

    Discuss accessibility or accommodation needs with Shad before accepting an offer.

    What happens after Shad Live-in Program?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Develop and pitch a team solution to a real-world challenge.

    Explore interests that can inform future study and career choices.

    Join a network of more than 27,000 Shad alumni.

    Potentially earn high school credit in eligible provinces.

    Potentially meet Ontario SHSM Sector-Partnered Experience or IB CAS requirements.

    School credit and recognition depend on the applicable education pathway.

    Where does Shad Live-in Program take place?

    Shad Live-in takes place at partner post-secondary campuses across Canada, combining residence life with academic facilities and local exploration. Shad considers campus preferences, home location, travel and individual circumstances when making final placements.

    Families arrange and budget for travel to and from campus.

    Shad Live-in Program FAQs

    Shad considers campus preferences, where you live, travel and individual circumstances. Final placements are made by Shad to create a diverse, pan-Canadian experience.

    The Live-in fee includes 27 days of on-campus accommodation, meals and snacks. Travel to and from campus and personal expenses are additional.

    No. Participants must commit to attending the entire Live-in program.

    Shad expects academic excellence but sets no cutoff average. A school nomination is not required; selection also considers experiences, creativity, reflection and community contribution.

    Students accepting an offer pay a $750 deposit to secure their place. The remaining balance is paid in two installments.

    Domestic applicants can request income-based fee assistance and eligible scholarships through the application. International applicants are not eligible for Shad financial assistance or scholarships.

    Shad works with students and parents or guardians to discuss accessibility needs and reasonable accommodations. Contact info@shad.ca early, before accepting an offer, to discuss the support needed.

    Shad can count toward high school credit in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. It can also qualify for Ontario SHSM Sector-Partnered Experience and IB CAS requirements.

    Alternatives to Shad Live-in Program

    Compare these options if you want a more focused subject experience or an online route into STEAM learning.

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    Sources & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Shad 2027 Application
    • Application Summary - Shad Canada
    • FAQs
    • Support - Shad Canada
    • Scholarships - Shad Canada
    • Participate
    • Programs
    • Apply
    • Live-in_schedule_pdf
    • Shad_2027_Trifold_Digital
    • Live-in

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)

    • Application deadlines checked

    • School-stage eligibility reviewed

    • Domestic and international fees verified

    • Funding restrictions reviewed

    • Residential inclusions confirmed

    • Sample schedule identified

    • Official application link verified

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.