$30,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO BE AWARDED ANNUALLY TO HIGH SCHOOL AND POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS

TORONTO, Aug. 29, 2013 /CNW/ - Going back to school? Searching for a scholarship to help fund next year's term? Studentawards.com and Scotiabank announced a new scholarship program today that will give students in Canada, including international students across the country, more access to financial support. The new Scotiabank National Scholarship will award $30,000 in scholarships to high school and post-secondary students.

"Scotiabank is proud to partner with Studentawards and help offer students even more options to fund their futures," says Janet Boyle, Scotiabank Vice President, Unsecured Lending. "We know that there are a lot of expenses associated with post-secondary education. Our partnership and scholarship program will help students stay focused on their education, not their bank balance."

Twelve scholarships of $2,500 will be given annually as part of the Scotiabank National Scholarship. The program provides financial funding for tuition, books and residence to students who plan on enrolling full-time in a certificate, degree or diploma program in Canada for the 2014/2015 or 2015/2016 academic terms. Open to Canadian and international students who are 16 years of age or older, the deadline to apply is October 22, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. EST. Students can apply at www.fundyourfuture.ca/nationalscholarship.

"Studentawards is committed to helping students get ahead by providing them with opportunities and financial resources to reach life's milestones," said Rob Henderson, CEO, Studentawards. "With rising tuition costs and current challenges facing students today, the Scotiabank National Scholarship will go a long way to help students achieve their educational goals."

Studentawards provides money, support and connections to help students across Canada. With specialized offers, giveaways and contests, Studentawards helps youth earn and save the money they need for their education. The Scotiabank National Scholarship is one example of how Studentawards works with like-minded organizations who are vested in the success of students and youth.

Scotiabank has had a 10-year history with Studentawards and has been a long-time supporter of education in Canada and globally through its Bright Future philanthropic program. In addition to the scholarship, Scotiabank and Studentawards partnered to create FundYourFuture.ca, Scotiabank's student website that links to more than a hundred scholarships and bursaries the bank sponsors. The website is an easy-to-use platform that also offers financial advice and money management strategies to students and their parents. FundYourFuture.ca provides many great funding options to help students get a solid financial start.

About Studentawards
Studentawards.com (Studentawards) is Canada's largest student-based platform providing youth with opportunities and awards to help them reach life's milestones. Since 1998, Studentawards has been helping high school, college and university students from across Canada get ahead by providing them with access to scholarships, bursaries, contests, specialized student offers, giveaways and other financial assistance. With over 2.25 million members, and an average of 566 new members a day, Studentawards provides youth with access to more than $78 million in financial awards. For more information please visit www.studentawards.com.

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is a leading multinational financial services provider and Canada's most international bank. With more than 83,000 employees, Scotiabank and its affiliates serve some 19 million customers in more than 55 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a broad range of products and services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking. In December 2012, Scotiabank became the first Canadian bank to be named Global Bank of the Year and Bank of the Year in the Americas by The Banker magazine, a Financial Times publication. With assets of $754 billion (as at April 30, 2013), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information, please visit www.scotiabank.com. 

SOURCE Scotiabank