Take Our Kids to Work™ day helps students understand skills needed in knowledge-based 21st century economy

TORONTO, Nov. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - More than 250,000 Grade 9 students from Newfoundland to Nunavut will participate in The Learning Partnership's Take Our Kids to Work™ day today.

Hosted by a parent, relative or family friend, these young people are spending the day in the workplace getting an inside look at the world of work and exploring future career options.

"These young people are seeing for themselves the importance of staying in school and acquiring the skills and abilities needed to succeed in our increasingly knowledge-based economy," says Veronica Lacey, President & CEO of The Learning Partnership. "We know employers put a lot of effort into organizing unique, safe and interactive activities that make the day exciting and informative for students and we applaud their efforts."

Started in 1994 by The Learning Partnership as a one-day strategy for engaging Grade 9 students in Greater Toronto Area (GTA) schools, Take Our Kids to Work has evolved into a multi-faceted experiential learning program. Scotiabank^® has supported the program since1998 and today, more than 75,000 employers open their doors to Canada's future work force every November.

"Since 1994, Take Our Kids to Work Day has become an important and favourite part of the career exploration journey for Canadian students in their grade nine year," said Sylvia Chrominska, Group Head, Global Human Resources and Communications for Scotiabank. "Education is an important part of our Bright Future community giving program so we are proud to be back for our 18th year as sponsor of this unique initiative from The Learning Partnership.  Today students from coast to coast will have the rare opportunity to experience the working world first hand and begin to wonder about what their future careers might be."

This year, The Learning Partnership will honour 10 organizations showing outstanding commitment to their current employees and Canada's future work force, with its Canada's Outstanding Employer Awards. Awards will be announced later this month.

About The Learning Partnership

The Learning Partnership is a national charitable organization dedicated to championing a strong public education system in Canada through innovative programs, credible research, policy initiatives, leadership training and public engagement. Since 1993, more than 4.9 million students and teachers have participated in one or more of The Learning Partnership's programs. For information on The Learning Partnership, log onto www.thelearningpartnership.ca.

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 $45 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

SOURCE: Scotiabank