TORONTO, Dec. 9, 2011 /CNW/ - Scotiabank is very proud to have been named one of 10 outstanding employers by The Learning Partnership of Canada. The inaugural awards program recognizes employers for their exemplary commitment to students and education.

"We are pleased to be named among the first recipients of The Learning Partnership's Canada's Outstanding Employers Award," said Sylvia Chrominska, Group Head of Global Human Resources and Communications for Scotiabank. "Education is one of the primary focuses of Scotiabank Bright Future, our global community giving program, and as such this recognition is particularly meaningful. We applaud the important work being done by The Learning Partnership to engage and excite students across the country about their education and futures."

The Learning Partnership Canada's Outstanding Employer Awards are an extension of the national charitable organization's 17-year-old Take Our Kids to Work™ program and recognize companies for Take Our Kids to Work day programs that engage and inspire Grade 9 students who visiting their workplace.

Entries were judged on five criteria: Participant feedback about the company's Take Our Kids to Work day activities; how the employer promotes the importance of staying in school and pursuing post-secondary studies to students and the community; the amount of creativity and innovation in developing engaging and exciting activities for students on Take Our Kids to Work day; and how the organization supports and explains career choices and the benefits of early career exploration to visiting grade nines on Take Our Kids to Work day. 

Scotiabank has been the national sponsor of Take Our Kids to Work Day since 1994 and also sponsors the newer companion program, The Ultimate Dream Job Online Photo Contest, which invites students to submit photos depicting their dream careers.

"Scotiabank's dedication to students and education is admirable," said Veronica Lacey, President and CEO of The Learning Partnership. "A long time and strong supporter of educational programs that cultivate student interest in learning, Scotiabank has played an important role in helping prepare students for productive lives and successful careers."

Scotiabank's support of education in Canada includes many post secondary scholarships and bursaries as well a range of unique educational programs that provide students of all ages with skills, tools and experiences to help them reach their full potential.

Encouraging students to stay in school is central to many of the educational initiatives backed by Scotiabank. Recently Scotiabank partnered with The Martin Aboriginal Educational Initiative (MAEI) to sponsor a business curriculum tailored to the needs of highschool Aboriginal students. The first of the Martin initiatives to be installed at an on-reserve school, the program will provide students with practical business experience at the same time as building appreciation for the importance of staying in school. Along with funding of the curriculum, Scotiabank employees of the Bank's nearby Opaskwayak Cree Nation on-reserve branch will serve as mentors for students moving through the program.

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad, through our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank Bright Future.  Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $44 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.