Scholarship Program

RENÉ BIBAUD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Financial awards are available to those who meet ALL of the following criteria:

  1.  Has been a client of the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre (DSYTC) but has not been in live-in treatment for a period of at least 3 months;
  2.  Has shown steady development and determination in pursuing life goals – particularly those goals related to substance use and mental health;
  3.  Has overcome major life obstacles and achieved significant goals in multiple life areas;
  4.  Has attained a moderate to high level of lifestyle stability;
  5.  Has demonstrated a positive attitude;
  6.  Has shown genuine concern for others;
  7.  Is involved in some form of academics/career training which requires financial assistance;
  8.  Has not received a scholarship through this program within the same semester.

A limited number of scholarships are available through this program and those who are interested may apply by forwarding the following to the Scholarship Review Committee via email at mike.b@davesmithcentre.org:

  1.  A letter of request clearly explaining how you meet the above criteria;
  2.  Information on the course(s) you are currently enrolled in (including proof of acceptance and registration);
  3.  Two (2) reference letters (one of which can come from their DSYTC Therapist)

The Scholarship Review Committee is comprised of the Centre’s President & CEO, Clinical Director and VP Philanthropy.

**For applicants who have previously received a DSYTC scholarship, subsequent requests do not require reference letters. These applications should include a letter updating their recovery and academic status and progress as well as proof of good academic standing.

SCHOLARSHIP STREAMS

1. DSYTC SCHOLARSHIP (General)

Awards of up to $1,000 per semester (up to $2,000 per academic year) are available to those who meet scholarship criteria.

2. RENÉ BIBAUD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Awards of $2,500 per semester (up to $5,000 per academic year) are available to two (2) students who meet scholarship criteria.

Scholarship applications can be submitted at any time throughout the calendar year but the DSYTC reserves the right to determine when decisions are made (i.e., usually August for Fall semester, December for Winter semester and April for Summer semester).

All financial awards are granted AFTER program acceptance has been confirmed an ideally BEFORE tuition fees have been paid.

All scholarship funds are paid DIRECTLY to the relevant academic institution (e.g., College or University).

We ask that all scholarship recipients provide a Thank You letter shortly after approval so that this information can be provided to donors who support the DSYTC scholarship program. Non-identifying information is acceptable and may also include a copy of their application letter (if consent is granted to share).

ABOUT RENÉ BIBAUD

René joined the DSYTC Board of Directors in 2015. During his 8+ years with the Centre, René dedicated significant time and expertise to the DSYTC and made a lasting impact towards the growth and evolution of the organization. René brought humour and compassion to all that he did and he was beloved by all who had the pleasure to know him. René passed away in November 2023 and given his award-winning career in education, the Centre wanted to honour his impact and legacy by renaming the DSYTC Scholarship Program in his honour. René is dearly missed but his legacy will live on through the Centre and through the students who will benefit from his scholarship.

Page revised Feb 18, 2026