News Releases & Announcements
CIBC becomes a “million-dollar mentor” with donation to support mentoring programs at uOttawa
OTTAWA, November 9, 2004 — CIBC is making a million-dollar investment in the future of Canadian students at the University of Ottawa. The CIBC Mentorship Program Scholarships will recognize and reward students at the University of Ottawa who volunteer as mentors to other students through the university’s Student Academic Success Service.
“We are especially proud to support this mentoring program. Helping young people to reach their full potential is a strategic focus of our community investment program. Through CIBC Youthvision we fund hundreds of initiatives that support education, mentoring and skills development,” said Dave Hopper, District Vice President, CIBC. “In an increasingly competitive global economy, it is so important that young people complete their education and the mentoring provided through the university's Student Academic Success Service is proving successful in addressing the issue of student retention.”
The scholarships, funded by a donation of $1 million from CIBC, will eventually provide 18 students each year with a scholarship covering their undergraduate tuition, up to $4500 per student.
“Donations like this are crucial as incentives to encourage students to participate in programs like mentoring,” said Gilles Patry, Rector of the University of Ottawa. “We’re very proud of the students who give their time and energy to help other students, and we’re grateful to CIBC for their donation, which will support our student mentors.”
Mentoring at the University of Ottawa is based in the Academic Support Community (ASC), a faculty-based, university-wide service delivery network comprised of one-stop-shops for support called Centres for Academic Excellence. The ASC has reduced failure rates, increased student retention, and improved the university experience since its creation in 2002.
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