REA Foundation Scholarships: “a true stepping stone to the future”
Six students will split $18,000 to support their pursuit of studies.
This year, the scholarships awarded by the REA Foundation will support six Quebecers with disabilities in the pursuit of their studies. Each recipient will receive a $3,000 scholarship as part of the fifth edition of the REA Scholarship Program.
Providing real opportunities for everyone
According to the Office for People with Disabilities of Quebec, among people with disabilities aged 15 to 64:
- Approximately 31% had to interrupt their studies due to their health condition.
- 10% dropped out of their studies due to a lack of functional devices or support services.
- Nearly half needed more time to reach their current level of education.
In light of these findings, the REA Foundation is committed to supporting students with disabilities in achieving their dreams. The scholarship program helps these students continue their studies in fields as varied as architecture, medicine, law, education, and many others.
Meet our six scholars and their
Vincent Girard-Bernier, 30 years old, DEC in 3D production and image synthesis, Cégep Limoilou (disability: cerebral palsy)
Born with cerebral palsy, Vincent faces many challenges. Despite this, he completed his studies in communications and pursued a career in the field. Today, he is taking on a new challenge: returning to school to follow his passion for 3D production. “No need to hide it, the scholarship I received will have a significant impact on the future of my artistic journey,” he shares.
Nathalie Hanna, 23 years old, Master’s in health technology engineering, École de technologie supérieure (disability: myelomeningocele spina bifida)
Throughout her education, Nathalie has been driven by a thirst to learn more about her condition and other neuromuscular disorders. After earning a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, she pursued a Master’s in engineering with the goal of acquiring “the skills needed to develop treatments and rehabilitation technologies for people with physical disabilities,” like her own, she explains.
Mathieu Lapointe, 36 years old, qualifying Master’s in teaching (Quebec culture and citizenship), Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (disability: hemiplegia)
Thirteen years ago, Mathieu was left in a three-week coma after a violent attack and suffered a severe brain injury, leaving him partially paralyzed. He had to relearn everyday tasks like eating, speaking, and walking. “My journey has been full of obstacles, but today my goals are clear, and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished,” he says. He is currently working on a Master’s in teaching and is expecting a child in October.
Walid Nassef, 42 years old, PhD in contemporary religious studies, Université de Sherbrooke (disability: quadriplegia from a spinal cord injury)
Currently a PhD candidate, Walid has a particular interest in cultural diplomacy and interfaith dialogue. With a physical disability, he faces daily challenges, especially with mobility and access to certain activities. “This scholarship means much more to me than just financial support: it will allow me to pursue my doctoral research under optimal conditions,” he explains.
Cindy Ouellet, 36 years old, PhD in neuroscience, Université Laval (disability: hemipelvectomy following Ewing’s sarcoma)
At the age of 12, Cindy survived bone cancer, which led to permanent loss of mobility. Today, alongside her second PhD, she is a professional athlete, preparing for her 7th Paralympic Games. Highly committed, she serves on several boards of directors and supports causes close to her heart, such as the fight against bullying in sports, mental health, and the development of adapted sports equipment. “This scholarship represents invaluable support for continuing my mission to advance science, sport, and inclusion,” she says.
Virginie Pilotte, 27 years old, DEC preparatory program (prerequisites for entering a dietetics technique program), Cégep de Trois-Rivières (disability: deafness)
Born deaf, Virginie has always shown perseverance in the face of life’s challenges. Since the death of her partner in 2024, she has been raising her child on her own, her main source of motivation for building a better future. This is why she decided to return to school with the ambition of earning a degree in dietetics, in order to contribute to the well-being of others. “This scholarship represents much more than financial assistance: it is a true stepping stone to the future,” she shares.
