Centennial College's HYPE summer program gives youth an inspiring learning experience

TD Bank Group continues generous support of tuition-free college outreach for the second year in a row

TORONTO, Aug. 12, 2015 /CNW/ - More than 120 young people celebrated their achievement at a special graduation ceremony today after spending their summer participating in Centennial College's HYPE program – Helping Youth Pursue Education – a tuition-free learning experience that can open doors to higher education and rewarding careers.

Over the past six weeks the students, aged 17 to 29, participated in seven career-oriented courses in business fundamentals, human development, automotive technology, esthetics, digital media, introduction to computers, and baking & entrepreneurship.

The graduation festivities were punctuated by a big thank-you to TD Bank Group for being the exclusive financial partner of HYPE. In 2014, TD committed to investing $250,000 over three years to support this diverse program.

"Our program promotes education attainment by reducing barriers to participation for youth living in under-served Toronto neighbourhoods primarily in the east end of the city," said Anthony Bertin, manager of Centennial's Community Outreach Office. "More than half of the youth participating in HYPE come to it through recommendations from past participants, family members and friends."

In addition to helping fund the program, TD provides student workshops to promote financial literacy and increase awareness and competency in personal financial management.

"Centennial's HYPE program is an invaluable community service that encourages youth to explore their potential and always strive for more," said Mohamed Manji, Vice President of Everyday Banking, TD Canada Trust, and member of Centennial College's Board of Governors. "We're very proud to support an initiative that gives young people opportunities they may not otherwise enjoy. The return on investment is immeasurable when you're shaping the future of our communities."

Centennial works with local community service agencies to identify youth who could benefit from the program, which includes free transportation, meals and learning materials. One-third of the more than 1,000 young adults who have graduated from HYPE since its inception in 2004 have gone on to post-secondary education.

About TD Community Giving
TD Bank Group invests in communities in order to effect positive change in the places where it operates and where its customers and employees live and work. In 2014, TD donated more than $82 million to community organizations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In Canada, TD focuses on education and financial literacy, creating opportunities for young people and the environment. For further information, please visit www.td.com/corporate-responsibility

SOURCE Centennial College

Media contact: Mark Toljagic, Communications Officer, Centennial College, 416-289-5000, ext. 7142; mobile [phone]; [email protected]