HALIFAX, NS - February 29, 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 Saint Mary's University and Mount Allison University 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 Gordon Brost, District Vice President, South West Nova Scotia District, 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 Saint Mary's University and Mount Allison University stood out to the judges at the Enactus Canada Regional Exposition - Atlantic Canada on February 26 because of their dedication to empowering youth in their community:

Enactus Saint Mary's empowered at-risk youth in Halifax with skills needed to join the work force, start their own businesses, find sustainable employment and return to school. Through their project Options: Youth, 69 young people have been lifted out of poverty, eight are pursuing post-secondary education and six have created their own businesses.

Enactus Mount Allison partnered with Salem Elementary to expand the school's Outdoor Education Program to include a sustainable agriculture program and address the need for youth empowerment opportunities. Through the Learn to Grow project, 346 youth received skill development and workforce training which led to 24 new job opportunities and two youth even created 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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