-- Extended to mature students over 25 years of age, currently
enrolled university, vocational college or trade school students
and students on break from studies
-- Scholarships based on commitment to communities as well as grades
from GPA of 2.5 or 65%
-- Two Ken Peterson scholarships for Community Leadership valued up
to $11,000
TORONTO, Oct. 19, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Independent Order of Foresters, commonly known as Foresters(tm), unveiled its new Scholarship Program (see Note) for the academic year 2007-2008. Foresters has now extended eligibility to include currently enrolled mature students over 25 years of age; undergraduate university, vocational college or trade school students and students who have taken a year or two break from studies as well as high school seniors. The Foresters Scholarship Program is available to Foresters members and their dependent children.
"Foresters is a life insurance organization dedicated to supporting communities and enriching the lives of our customers through member benefits," said George Mohacsi, President and CEO of Foresters. "That's why our Scholarship Program is designed to help create bright futures for our members and their families. At Foresters, we believe that when one person has a bright future, so does a whole community."
Over the past 22 years, Foresters has invested over $40 million to award competitive member scholarships in North America. As a result of this program, more than 4,000 students can look forward to a brighter future.
New this year, Foresters may also reward two applicants who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and extraordinary effort and ability to overcome adversity with the Ken Peterson scholarship for Community Leadership. The recipients will receive $5,000 in the first year and $2,000 in the subsequent years. Ken Peterson was an active Foresters member for 50 years until his death in 2005 and a tireless volunteer. He also served as a member of the Board and the executive management team.
Every year, the Foresters Scholarship Program offers up to 320 scholarships where each recipient can receive $2,000 for up to four years or until the first degree is obtained. A Foresters scholarship can help pay for tuition, books, supplies, residence, clothes, equipment, food and other expenses.
A committee of Canadian and American university and college representatives chosen by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) will select the recipients. Eligible applicants include:
-- Dependant children of Foresters members and Foresters members, 25
years or under
-- Mature students who are Foresters members over the age of 25
currently enrolled in full-time, post-secondary, undergraduate or
diploma studies
Requirements include:
-- A GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or a minimum average of 75%
(Canadian tens scale) for university applications
-- A GPA of 2.5 or 65% for community college, vocational or trade
school applications
-- Full-time enrollment in a minimum two-year program at a
university, college, trade or vocational school (excludes
university preparatory programs)
-- Completion of a minimum of 40 hours of community service in the
two years prior to applying
-- Two letters of recommendation - one in support of community
service and one from either the applicant's school or a Foresters
Branch officer (not related to the applicant)
Full details on eligibility and applications are available at: www.foresters.biz/Scholarships. Submission deadline is November 15 and the scholarship recipients will be notified at the end of February 2007.
About Foresters
Founded in 1874, Foresters(tm) helps individuals and families achieve financial security with its innovative portfolio of life insurance products and annuities. Foresters' shares its financial strength with its members, who are customers, through complimentary life, health and education benefits that help its 850,000 eligible members and their families in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Foresters' provides opportunities that inspire its members to make a difference in their communities. For more information, please visit www.foresters.biz.
Foresters(tm) is a trademark of The Independent Order of Foresters, a fraternal benefit society, 789 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Canada M3C 1T9.
The Foresters logo is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2969
Note: Foresters Scholarship Program is a competition for scholarships, of $2,000 per year, for up to 4 years, open to eligible applicants meeting the eligibility requirements. Scholarship recipients will be selected from the completed applications submitted before the deadline date. This program is administered by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.