CALGARY, AB - March 07, 2016 /CNW/ -  Two post-secondary student teams have been named 2016 Scotiabank Youth Empowerment Challenge Regional Champions by Enactus Canada, the country's largest student leadership development organization and proud program supporter, Scotiabank.

The Scotiabank Youth Empowerment Challenge encourages post-secondary students to develop and deliver projects that address the needs and opportunities facing youth. This brand new national challenge focuses on the education, learning skills and life-long success of youth (aged 25 and under) across Canada.

"Congratulations to British Columbia Institute of Technology and Okanagan College and all of the teams for their incredible work on the Scotiabank Youth Empowerment Challenge. The commitment and creativity of these students is truly inspiring," said Laurie Stang, Senior Vice President, Prairie Region at Scotiabank. "Scotiabank is proud to support the challenge as part of our commitment to building the skills of young Canadians. I want to wish the regional winners the best of luck in the national competition in Toronto."

The following Enactus student teams from British Columbia Institute of Technology and Okanagan College stood out to the judges at the Enactus Canada Regional Exposition -- Western Canada on March 4 because of their dedication to empowering youth in their community:

Through three interactive workshops, 30 Enactus BCIT members provided one-on-one mentorship and education for youth designed to teach them life and career development skills through financial education.

Through their project, R.I.S.E (Relationship, Innovation, Success, Empower) the Enactus team at BCIT directly impacted 120 youth, increasing their assets by more than $15,000 and finding 30 of them employment.

Enactus Okanagan College ran a mentoring project called Young Entrepreneurs that culminated in a "Dragons Den" style competition tailored to middle and high school students. This year alone, 150 students received business skills and training, and $7,500 was distributed in seed funding. Sixty percent of Young Entrepreneurs finalists go on to start their own businesses.

"These teams are making a real impact on the long-term sustainability of their communities by focusing on youth," said Nicole Almond, Enactus Canada president. "They are a perfect example of how Enactus' socially-conscious student leaders are building a better Canada."

These teams will now move on to the national level of competition taking place May 2-4 at the 2015 Enactus Canada National Exposition in Toronto, Ontario.

ABOUT ENACTUS CANADA: Enactus Canada, this country's largest student leadership development organization, is shaping generations of entrepreneurial leaders who are passionate about advancing the economic, social and environmental health of Canada. Guided by academic advisors and business experts, more than 2,650 entrepreneurial post-secondary students led 288 community empowerment projects and business ventures this past year in communities coast-to-coast. As a global network of 36 countries, Enactus uses the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world. For more information, visit enactus.ca.

About Scotiabank
Through our global community investment strategy, Scotiabank and its employees support causes at a grassroots level. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2015, Scotiabank contributed $67 million to help our communities around the world.

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