A Canadian non-profit is challenging students and educators to rethink failure as an essential part of learning and innovation.
Shift Canada, which promotes entrepreneurial risk awareness, has released its 2025 Impact Report on its Shift Failure program for grades 5 to 12. The free, plug-and-play curriculum is designed to help students understand that setbacks can lead to success.
“Instead of focusing only on success, we want to challenge Canadian parents and teachers to help students fail,” said AJ Tibando, CEO of Shift Canada. The organization aims to see the program in 10,000 schools by 2027.
According to the report, more than 150,000 students have participated to date. Survey results suggest 81 per cent of students understand failure as a catalyst for success, 77 per cent feel more confident designing and improving projects through feedback and iteration, and 80 per cent report greater comfort taking creative risks.
Teachers have also praised the program. Jo-Ann, an Ontario educator quoted in the report, said it helped students view failure as normal, fostering collaboration, risk-taking, and emotional growth in the classroom.
Richard Abboud, founding board chair of Shift Canada, said the initiative reflects a broader vision of building a culture of innovation and resilience across the country.
Shift Canada is led by business leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors focused on promoting economic growth and innovation through education and risk-positive initiatives.