The Geoffrey and Eleanor Downie Scholarship and Wayne and Dorene Martin Scholarship provide a unique opportunity for full-time students in a related field of study to engage with the Elmira Developmental Support Corporation as “supportive good neighbours” to adults living in a supported independent living apartment. Working alongside a broader support team, recipients foster an inclusive community through social engagement, relationship-building, and neighbourly support.
Recipients receive:
- Full tuition support for the Fall and Winter terms paid directly to the University of Waterloo (student fees excluded).
- A shared two-bedroom apartment for a 12-month period, including telephone, cable, and internet.
- Opportunities for part-time employment with Elmira District Community Living.
- Eligibility for renewal during subsequent years of full-time study.
- Valuable hands-on experience in community-based developmental services.
Learn more about the experience
The deadline to apply is TBD.
Scholarship recipients are “supportive good neighbours” to four people living in a supported independent living apartment, pictured above.
Develop valuable experience
Scholarship recipients will:
- Gain hands-on experience in community-based developmental services.
- Develop practical skills supporting individuals living with intellectual disabilities.
- Learn how community-based organizations collaborate and operate.
- Build knowledge of community resources and support systems.
- Apply classroom learning in a meaningful real-world setting.
Expectations and Responsibilities
Time Commitment: Approximately 10–15 hours per month of social engagement activities, in addition to residing at the apartment complex for the duration of the scholarship period.
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Be a good neighbour to the tenants living in the apartment building.
- Reside at the Snow Goose Apartment Complex.
- Interact with the tenants in social activities. For example, share meals with tenants in their apartments, attend a movie night in the common room, or organize a community-based activity such as skating.
- Provide a social safety net to the tenants by living at the apartment complex and being present. The successful candidate must live at the apartment complex for the entirety of the scholarship, understanding that there will be allowances for wellness breaks, university holiday closures, and other approved periods away from the building.
Eligibility
- Be entering second year or higher in September 2027 of an undergraduate degree program at the University of Waterloo in a related field of study.
- Have a minimum overall GPA of 75%.
- Successfully complete a Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Have regular access to a reliable vehicle, as public transportation between Elmira and Waterloo Region is limited.
- Demonstrate a genuine interest in supporting individuals living with intellectual disabilities.
- Experience in developmental services is considered an asset but is not required.
Ready to Apply?
These scholarships are ideal for students who are interested in community engagement, developmental services, social inclusion, and building meaningful relationships within a supportive living environment.
To apply, submit the following materials:
- Current resume.
- Cover letter outlining your interest in the scholarship opportunity.
- Two letters of reference (academic, employer).
- Review of applications and interviews will begin immediately following the close of the application period.
Send your application package to Cheryl Peterson, Executive Director (cpeterson@elmirasupportivehousing.com), Elmira Developmental Support Corporation by TBD.
Questions?
For questions or more information, please contact:
Cheryl Peterson, Executive Director, Elmira Developmental Support Corporation and Elmira District Community Living
Cell phone (accepts text messages): (519) 501-5997
Telephone: 519-669-3205 ext. 226
Email: cpeterson@elmirasupportivehousing.com