STU Welcomes Students from across Canada for First-Ever Shad A+ STEAM Program

As one of the newest university partners of Shad Canada, St. Thomas University is hosting 61 students in grades 10 and 11 from across Canada for the ShadOnCampus experience. 
 
The motivated group of visiting students will meet an academically demanding, intellectually nurturing, and community-engaging experience on our beautiful campus for an inaugural Shad A+ program.  
 
The program, which takes place on campus from June 29 to July 25, is pursued through a community and social lens to foster growth among participants as change leaders. 
 
Shad is a transformational summer program that equips high school students with the skills, mindset, and confidence to lead in a rapidly changing world. 
 
Through immersive, hands-on experiences, students engage with real-world challenges in areas like artificial intelligence, energy, and food security. Combining STEAM-based learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) with a deep focus on resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurship, Shad empowers young people to think boldly, take risks, and turn their ideas into action—preparing them not just for the future of work, but for the future of leadership. 
 
Shad A+ 
 
Shad A+ program will offer participants a unique experience, combining elements of STEAM and Entrepreneurship education with an enhanced offering in the social sciences and humanities. 
 
“We are thrilled to be working with Shad Canada to host the first cohort of Shad A+ students on our campus,” said STU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. M. Nauman Farooqi. 
  
“Our intimate learning environment, cross-disciplinary approach to education, and emphasis on people, ideas, and values makes STU a natural fit for this innovative program. We look forward to adding to an already renowned experience through our unique academic programming, award-winning faculty, and exciting experiential learning opportunities.” 

Working in mentored teams, Shad A+ participants boost their creative and analytical thinking by developing sustainable, modern, and efficient plans to solve the most complex problems facing society. 

The program is set up to be a transformational experience, allowing participants to develop interpersonal and leadership skills through the exploration of solutions to social injustice issues. In doing so, they will gain first-hand experience in the value of a liberal arts education. 

STU’s Shad Program Director, Ale Navas, said she’s looking forward to welcoming students to the beautiful STU campus for a rewarding experience.  

“It will be a month-long adventure filled with so much fun and learning, inside and outside the classroom, as students experience the benefits of an interdisciplinary education that combines the arts with STEM and Entrepreneurship.” 

Shad has 30 campus partners, a network of more than 24,000 program graduates and has been running STEAM programs since 1980.  Many Shad alumni go on to innovate and start their own businesses. 

Learn more at  shad.ca