Foresters awards nearly 1,000 academic scholarships to students across North America

More than $30 million awarded internationally to help scholars plan for their futures, improve communities

TORONTO, Dec. 1, 2015 /CNW/ - Investing in a post-secondary education just got easier for nearly 1,000 dedicated students across North America thanks to Foresters™, an international financial services provider, which rewarded their academic excellence and commitment to volunteerism with renewable scholarships worth up to $8,000 each.

"Foresters is proud to present academic scholarships to nearly 1,000 inspiring students across North America, who no doubt represent the next generation of community-minded leaders," said Anthony M. Garcia, president and CEO, Foresters. "Through this financial contribution to their academics, we hope to help these students focus on their future and continue to make positive impacts in their communities."

In the last five years Foresters Competitive Scholarship Program has awarded more than 5,100 academic scholarships to students who share Foresters commitment to community service and have demonstrated solid academic performance. Since the program began over 30 years ago, Foresters has awarded more than $30 million (CDN) in financial support of the Competitive Scholarship Program in Canada, the US and the UK.

Katelyn Greer, one of this year's scholarship recipients, will begin a 4-year Medical Science program at the University of Western Ontario in London, ON, in the fall. A passionate volunteer, Katelyn has demonstrated dedication to community service. She has given back by sorting clothing at a second hand store, organizing food drives, and by helping to build a playground in her community. Katelyn and her family also organize the annual 'Great Memories Golf Tournament' in honour of her grandfather, to support Alzheimer's research. To date, the tournament has raised over $200,000.

"I'm so proud of my family for creating an amazing tournament that has become such a hit," said Katelyn. "By volunteering, I truly feel like I am bettering someone else's life and through that I am finding real happiness and pride in my own."

Foresters Competitive Scholarship Program is administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. and is open to eligible members, their spouses and dependent children, including grandchildren who will be continuing their postsecondary education. Eligible students of any age with a minimum GPA of 2.8 or 70% may apply for a scholarship for the 2016-2017 academic year from December 1, 2015 to February 29, 2016.

For more information on Foresters Competitive Scholarship Program, visit foresters.com

About Foresters

For over 140 years, Foresters™, an international financial services provider, has fulfilled its purpose to enhance family well-being for its members and the communities where they live.   A fraternal benefit society, Foresters offers quality life insurance and investment products, unique member benefits and inspiring community activities. Foresters shares its financial strength with more than one million members in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit foresters.com.

Foresters Financial and Foresters are trade names and trademarks of The Independent Order of Foresters (a fraternal benefit society) and its subsidiaries.

Note to Editors:

Click here for a complete list of 2015-2016 Canadian scholarship recipients.

SOURCE Foresters

For media inquiries, please contact: Jennifer Peckett, Foresters, T 647-201-0125, E [email protected], foresters.com