Succeed
    Unplugged
    In-person Program

    Unplugged

    by Shad Canada

    Unplugged combines hands-on STEAM and entrepreneurship with a social media reset, helping students focus on design challenges, campus community, and stronger personal connections.

    Last verified: 8 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Unplugged at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Applications open

    Eligibility

    Current Grades 10–11

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 15-17

    Location / Region

    Canada

    Cost

    $7,875; $12,475

    Duration

    27 days

    Format

    In-person

    Application deadline

    8 November 2026

    Save deadline
    ArtDesignEntrepreneurshipScienceTechnologyEngineering
    Language: English
    Accommodation: On-campus residence
    Meals: Meals and snacks for 27 days
    Campus experience: Labs, field trips, community activities
    Mentor model: Minimum 1:8 mentor-to-student ratio
    Tutors / faculty: Professors, industry experts, near-peer tutors
    Main output: Design and entrepreneurship team project

    Unplugged summary

    Unplugged is Shad Canada's STEAM and entrepreneurship experience with deliberate social media boundaries. Learning devices remain part of the experience while students put more attention into the people and ideas around them.

    Students combine lectures, workshops, labs, and team design challenges with recreation and community activities. It suits someone who wants broad academic exploration and actively welcomes a break from habitual scrolling.

    What is Unplugged?

    Unplugged is Shad Canada's residential STEAM and entrepreneurship program with a deliberate social media reset. Students explore science, technology, arts, and business through lectures, workshops, labs, and collaborative design challenges. The experience combines academic exploration with shared campus life.

    Participants step back from their usual online communities, commonly using basic phones while keeping learning devices such as laptops. Projects, recreation, and evening activities create regular opportunities to work and connect with others. Phone arrangements can vary by campus, and family contact remains possible.

    Why Succeed highlights Unplugged

    • The social media reset gives students a practical setting to test more intentional digital habits.

    • Team design and entrepreneurship projects turn broad academic exploration into collaborative problem-solving.

    • Professors, researchers, entrepreneurs, and near-peer tutors connect learning with different future pathways.

    • Residence life, field trips, and community activities support learning beyond formal sessions.

    • Domestic applicants can request financial assistance and apply for full or partial scholarships.

    Who is Unplugged for?

    Best for

    Curious students who enjoy team projects, want to explore STEAM and entrepreneurship, and willingly want stronger boundaries around social media.

    Not ideal if

    You need continuous smartphone access or prefer a narrowly focused course with substantial control over your daily schedule.

    Is Unplugged worth it?

    Unplugged can be worthwhile if you want academic exploration, collaborative projects, and a supported experiment in digital boundaries. Its value comes from participating fully in the community and trying unfamiliar ideas. The team project also gives you a concrete experience to reflect on afterward.

    The residential commitment and program fee make family planning important, even when financial support helps. Campus placement and specific topics can vary, so students seeking a particular university or a single-subject course should compare more focused options. Choose the social media reset because it appeals to you personally.

    Sean, founder of Succeed

    Sean

    Founder, Succeed

    Talk it through with Sean

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    20 minutes · No obligation to enrol

    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 Academic program and lectures by post-secondary professors., Seminars led by researchers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs., Hands-on industry workshops, including Texas Instruments., STEAM labs in post-secondary facilities., Program Director and near-peer tutor mentoring and coaching., Minimum 1:8 mentor-to-student ratio., Indigenous Knowledge Learning Opportunities., Design & Entrepreneurship Team Project., Leadership and community-building initiatives., Social, cultural, and sporting events., Enrichment field trips and corporate visits., Recreational trips such as camping and hiking., On-campus accommodation for 27 days., Meals and snacks for 27 days..

    Accommodation

    On-campus residence

    Meals

    Meals and snacks for 27 days

    Provider details

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

    Dates and logistics

    27 days; Canada.

    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 Unplugged need?

    Effort level

    Substantial preparation and an immersive participation commitment.

    Best started

    Allow four to six weeks before your chosen application deadline.

    Main challenge

    Writing specific, authentic reflections while arranging your reference.

    Typical preparation

    • Choose two meaningful experiences and draft four reflections of 100–250 words each.

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

    • Discuss social media boundaries, family contact, full attendance, and travel costs with your family.

    • Allow extra time for a scholarship essay and parent or guardian financial-support forms.

    Useful if

    You can describe how curiosity, responsibility, or teamwork shaped you.

    What do students do on Unplugged?

    You join a campus community that combines STEAM exploration, design work, recreation, and deliberate social media boundaries. Learning happens through formal sessions and through working, living, and solving problems with others.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Begin the experience by adopting your campus's phone and social media arrangements.

    2. 2

      Explore ideas through lectures, seminars, workshops, and STEAM labs.

    3. 3

      Work with a team to design, build, and pitch a solution to a real-world challenge.

    4. 4

      Connect with mentors, guest speakers, and fellow participants during projects and events.

    5. 5

      Take part in recreation, community activities, and field trips.

    Unplugged dates and deadlines

    Application deadline

    8 November 2026

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

    Upcoming
    Save deadline

    Programme dates

    4-30 July 2027

    Upcoming

    Applications open

    September 2026

    Past

    Early admission results

    First week of December 2026

    Financial assistance decisions accompany admission decisions.

    Date not confirmed

    Final admission results

    First week of February 2027

    Financial assistance decisions accompany admission decisions.

    Date not confirmed

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Currently completing Grade 10 or 11.

    • Quebec equivalent: Secondaire IV or V.

    • Proficient in spoken and written English.

    • Commitment to attending the entire program.

    • Domestic and international applicants may apply.

    • No school nomination required.

    • No fixed academic average cutoff.

    • Shad financial support is restricted to domestic applicants.

    How much does Unplugged cost?

    Program fee

    $7,875; $12,475 — CAD: domestic; international; includes the residential experience.

    Funding or discounts

    • Application fee: Free
    • Deposit: $750 — CAD part-payment after an offer; remaining balance in two installments.
    • Fee assistance: Up to $7,875 — CAD; domestic applicants; based on household income.
    • Scholarships: Full and partial — Eligibility varies; request consideration through the application.

    What's included

    Academic program and lectures by post-secondary professors., Seminars led by researchers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs., Hands-on industry workshops, including Texas Instruments., STEAM labs in post-secondary facilities., Program Director and near-peer tutor mentoring and coaching., Minimum 1:8 mentor-to-student ratio., Indigenous Knowledge Learning Opportunities., Design & Entrepreneurship Team Project., Leadership and community-building initiatives., Social, cultural, and sporting events., Enrichment field trips and corporate visits., Recreational trips such as camping and hiking., On-campus accommodation for 27 days., Meals and snacks for 27 days.

    How to apply to Unplugged

    1. 1

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

    2. 2

      Select the Unplugged live-in option among your program preferences.

    3. 3

      Complete your profile and describe two meaningful experiences or accomplishments.

    4. 4

      Write four reflections of 100–250 words each and upload your latest report card.

    5. 5

      Provide your reference's name and email so they can complete the confidential reference form.

    6. 6

      Request eligible financial support and complete any additional scholarship essay.

    7. 7

      Proofread your responses, confirm each section is complete, and submit the application.

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    What does Unplugged cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Applied Problem Solving and Entrepreneurship

    Explore human-centered design, venture building, business strategy, financial literacy, and socially useful innovation.

    Emerging Fields and Science Frontiers

    Investigate scientific questions spanning health, genetics, chemistry, Earth systems, astronomy, and research methods.

    Leadership and Future Readiness

    Practice public speaking, leadership, negotiation, creative confidence, and collaborative challenge work.

    Society, Culture and the Human Mind

    Explore creative arts, psychology, political science, sociology, ethics, Indigenous knowledge, and reconciliation.

    Technology, Engineering and Innovation

    Explore fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, software, engineering, creative media, and inclusive design.

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

    What is a typical day on Unplugged?

    A typical day during the program.

    Morning learning

    Sample weekdays include 9:00–10:30 a.m. lectures, labs, or case studies, followed by design work.

    Projects and recreation

    Sample activities include projects and speakers from 1:30 p.m., with recreation commonly at 4:00–5:00 p.m.

    Community and design

    Sample evenings include committees or design work from 7:00 p.m., Shad Speaks at 9:00 p.m., and curfew at 11:00 p.m.

    Weekend participation

    The sample week includes Saturday community outreach and Sunday design work, recreation, and evening activities.

    Who teaches on Unplugged?

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

    Live-in programs include a minimum 1:8 mentor-to-student ratio.

    Where do students stay on Unplugged?

    Residential plan

    • Campus residence: The program fee includes on-campus living for all 27 days.
    • Meals and snacks: Meals and snacks are included throughout the 27-day stay.
    • Family contact and support: Parents receive the Program Director's number, and the campus phone provides a 24/7 emergency contact route.
    • Campus and field activities: The experience includes STEAM labs, social and sporting events, enrichment trips, and recreational outings.

    Travel to and from campus and personal expenses are additional.

    What happens after Unplugged?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Develop and pitch a collaborative design and entrepreneurship solution.

    Explore interests that can inform future subject and career choices.

    Join Shad's network of more than 27,000 alumni.

    Pursue eligible high school credit, Ontario SHSM recognition, or IB CAS contribution.

    Access alumni post-secondary scholarship and application-fee-waiver opportunities.

    Credit and later scholarship opportunities depend on individual eligibility.

    Where does Unplugged take place?

    Unplugged takes place at Canadian post-secondary campuses, combining residence life with academic facilities and campus activities. Shad assigns placements while considering preferences, home location, travel, and individual circumstances.

    Unplugged host campuses are determined by demand from accepted applicants.

    Unplugged FAQs

    Participants step back from social media and may exchange smartphones for basic phones. Campus arrangements can also include scheduled device access or periods when phones are kept separately.

    Yes. Laptops, cameras, and tablets remain learning tools; the emphasis is on resetting social media boundaries.

    Students can be reached through the campus phone 24/7, and parents or guardians receive the Program Director's phone number. A basic phone may also allow calls and texts.

    No. Students choose whether they want an Unplugged experience, but requesting it does not guarantee placement at an Unplugged campus.

    The fee includes the academic program, accommodations, meals and snacks, mentorship, workshops, labs, activities, field trips, and a Design & Entrepreneurship Team Project. Travel to and from campus and personal expenses are additional.

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

    No. Participants must commit to attending the entire program.

    Yes. Students and families should contact info@shad.ca early to discuss accessibility or accommodation needs, preferably before accepting an offer.

    Alternatives to Unplugged

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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.

    View author page

    Sources & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Shad 2027 Application
    • Application Summary - Shad Canada
    • FAQs
    • Support - Shad Canada
    • Scholarships - Shad Canada
    • Participate
    • Programs
    • Apply
    • typical-week-unplugged
    • Shad_2027_Trifold_Digital
    • Curriculum & program outline
    • Unplugged

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

    What we verified (on 8 Oct 2026)

    • Program identity verified

    • Application deadlines checked

    • Eligibility and language reviewed

    • Residential fees verified

    • Financial support reviewed

    • Family contact arrangements checked

    • Sample schedule distinguished

    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.