KELOWNA, BC and TORONTO, ON - April 07, 2014 /CNW/ - Budding art, design and media graduates and community non-profit organizations will benefit from two Scotiabank donations announced today to post-secondary education institutions in British Columbia.

A $250,000 gift to the Emily Carr University of Art + Design in Vancouver will create the Scotiabank Platform Entrepreneurship Program. A $100,000 donation to Okanagan College in Kelowna will establish The Scotiabank Centre for Non-Profit Excellence.

"Through these gifts, we hope to give students the opportunity to learn about business -- which we believe is key to any successful enterprise," said Brian Porter, President and CEO of Scotiabank. "Education is one of the pillars of our philanthropic program, Scotiabank Bright Future, and to us, investing in education means investing in our communities."

The Scotiabank Centre for Non-Profit Excellence at the Okanagan College School of Business will help students learn business skills to support local non-profit organizations. Through course content and faculty-supervised research, students will assess the needs and critical gaps within non-profit organizations. Students will provide consulting services to help organizations improve operational capacity, deliver measurable impact, and potentially reduce reliance on external funding. Local Scotiabank employees will support development of the curriculum.

"Today's announcement of support from Scotiabank is welcome news for Okanagan College, our students and the many community organizations who will benefit from this funding," said Jim Hamilton, President of Okanagan College. "Our School of Business has strong ties with many not-for-profit entities and other community organizations who provide excellent learning opportunities for our students and who in turn benefit from their expertise and knowledge. Scotiabank's generous gift acknowledges just how important these partnerships are to the well-being of our community and we thank them for their investment in our students and our college."

The Scotiabank Platform Entrepreneurship Program -- the first collaboration of its kind introduced at the school and aimed at graduates -- will prepare enterprising Emily Carr University graduates to take their business ideas from concept to completion. Delivered by the University's Department of Continuing Studies, it will allow students to work individually and collaboratively to develop a business plan and communications strategy under the guidance of advisors and venture capitalists. Platform will provide graduates with business start-up skills in financial planning, market analysis, communications and intellectual property management.

"Platform will allow Emily Carr to meet and expand on our current achievements," said Sadira Rodrigues, Dean, Continuing Studies, Emily Carr University. "Scotiabank's significant gift to our University contributes to developing the next generation of creative entrepreneurs who will further Canada's economic success."

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is a leading financial services provider in over 55 countries and Canada's most international bank. Through Bright Future, our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank and its employees support causes at a grassroots level across six pillars: health, education, social services, arts and culture, environment and sports. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has contributed on average some $50 million annually over the last five years to community causes around the world. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

About Okanagan College
Okanagan College is a public, post-secondary institution located in B.C.'s interior. With four campuses in Penticton, Kelowna, Vernon and Salmon Arm, as well as education centres in Oliver, Summerland, Revelstoke, the College serves more than 20,000 learners annually throughout its region.

Okanagan College is a significant driving force in the regional economy. Partnerships with industry, community groups and other educational institutions enhance opportunities for citizens of the region served by the College and beyond, giving proof to the College's mission of transforming lives and communities.

About Emily Carr University of Art + Design
Emily Carr University of Art + Design, established in 1925, is a world leader in education and research. Encouraging experimentation at the intersection of art, design, media and technology, our learning community merges research, critical theory and studio practice in an interdisciplinary environment. Alumni and faculty are internationally recognized as award-winning creators and thought leaders who have enormous impact on both the cultural sector and economy. We engage students, industry, and society to continuously explore and think differently about creativity and how it shapes our world. Emily Carr is building a state-of-the-art campus for 21st century learning at Great Northern Way. The University will be at the centre of a new social, cultural, educational, and economic engine for British Columbia. Find out more at ecuad.ca.

For more information:

Sheena Findlay
Scotiabank Media Communications
647-628-3501
sheena.findlay@scotiabank.com

Christine Ulmer
Public Affairs, Okanagan College
250-470-3633
culmer@okanagan.bc.ca

Karin Watson
Media Relations, Communications
Emily Carr University of Art + Design
604.630.4566
kwatson@ecuad.ca