Josh Patenaude Memorial Fund
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Student Award Fund

Award: Josh Patenaude Memorial Fund

Eligibility
Residency: Residents of the Northwest Territories of at least twelve consecutive months
Field of Study: Pursuing any recognized educational or training program (adult learning, college, university, trades, or other accredited training program)
Other Eligibility: Must meet one of the following:

1. You are a student who has overcome notable hardships as a youth and are working toward building a positive path forward; or

2. You are a mentor, coach, or community member who supports vulnerable youth through paid or volunteer work, advocacy, or leadership

Priority goes to a student who overcame notable hardships as a youth and is working towards building a positive path forward.

Amount Available: $1,000

Application Process

Individuals interested in applying must create a profile on our scholarship application portal. Once your profile is created, you will need to complete our eligibility quiz and then submit an application for the student award. Applications will be made available during our scholarship intake season, every spring.

If you have any questions, please email grants@ykcf.ca or call 867-446-4527. 

Application Portal
FAQ

2 April, 12:01 AM MT

Scholarship application portal opens. 

31 May, 11:59 PM MT

Scholarship application portal closes.

Mid-to-Late July

Funding distributed to scholarship recipients. 

History of the Fund

This fund was established by Northwest Territories Equitable Sports Access (NTESA) in memory of Josh, who was an amazing volunteer for the organization in 2024 and 2025. Josh played on NTESA’s soccer and slo-pitch team, alongside youth who he always built up and supported by being a good mentor and friend. During his last slo-pitch game with the NTESA team, a young player was struggling on the pitcher’s mound and Josh offered to cover him, but he too was struggling to throw a good pitch! He shared later with the NTESA team that he wanted to show the youth that it’s okay to mess up and that everyone is learning. Josh passed away in July 2025 in a helicopter accident near Behchokǫ, Northwest Territories. He is dearly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

Past Recipients

The first recipient will be awarded in 2026!