As recipients these three Winnipeg students will receive six summer internships through the YMCA that begin right after Grade 10, valued at up to $20,000; and tuition for four years at the Canadian university or college of their choice, valued at up to $16,000. They also will receive ongoing mentoring until they graduate from their post-secondary education.

“It is inspiring to see how deserving young people like Tori, Anthony and Keinaan are and how hard they work towards their goals,” said Larry Tomei, CIBC’s Senior Vice-President of Retail Markets for Central Canada. “The CIBC Youthvision Scholarship is added encouragement for them to realize their academic dreams and their full potential.”

Currently there are three former recipients of the CIBC Youthvision Scholarship working as staff members at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg. Candice Penner, one of the former scholarship recepients, recently graduated from the University of Winnipeg with an Education degree.  She is a former Little Sister and is working as a Case Worker with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg.

Here's what this year's recipients and their Big's had to say...

“Winning this scholarship has given me the opportunity to pursue my dreams of obtaining a post-secondary education without financially burdening my family. I am now able to fully dedicate myself to my career aspirations (working in the medical field) without any limitations.

~Tori, Little Sister

“Tori is a very bright and mature person and is determined to do well in school. She also believes in giving back to the community and always finds the time to do volunteer work at the hospital.

~Chantelle, Big Sister

“Being a recipient of this scholarship means a lot to me and to my mom...I know it will change my life forever. I feel great knowing that lack of money will not prevent me from fulfilling my dream of becoming an engineer."

~Anthony, Little Brother

Given the right opportunities, the right environment, and the right positive output, my Little Brother Anthony, who I cherish so much, will be a success for all to see.”

~Jameel, Big Brother

Winning this scholarship has made my family and me very pleased because with this scholarship I no longer have to worry about the finances and can focus on my grades.

~Keinaan, Little Brother

I remember first hanging with Keinaan and him telling me he wanted to be a doctor, not for the status or personal monetary gain, but to take care of his close and distant relatives. Keinaan's considerate and philanthropic nature make this scholarship not solely an investment in his own future, but in the future of all those around him.”

~Paul, Big Brother