The Ultimate Dream Job Contest Enters its final Week!

Great Story About Encouraging Kids to Dream Big! And They Are.

TORONTO , Oct. 19 /CNW/ - Take Our Kids to Work is The Learning Partnership's signature program; it connects young people with the world of work. Every year, on the first Wednesday of November, (this year Wednesday November 4th , 2009), thousands of grade nine students participate in The Learning Partnership's Take Our Kids to Work(TM) program. This program sees approximately 250,000 students take part in a day long job shadowing experience at approximately 75,000 businesses and organizations across Canada .

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of Take Our Kids to Work(TM), The Learning Partnership and Scotiabank launched a national online photo contest. The Ultimate Dream Job Contest, encourages students from coast to coast to contemplate their dreams and visualize their futures. Visit contest site at www.dreamjobcontest.ca

The Ultimate Dream Job Contest began August 31 and runs until October 26 . Students across Canada in grade 9/Senior I/ Secondary III are being asked to submit photos representing their 'Dream Job', along with a short description about why this would be their dream job.

"Canadian youth have taken up the challenge to consider the opportunities that are before them," said Arlene Russell , Scotiabank Senior Vice-President, Shared Services. "As one of the judges, I can say that we've made some tough choices in selecting finalists given the creativity and ambitions that we've seen in the entries. Congratulations to everyone who has participated, and I would urge Canadians from coast to coast to take a look at what the future holds for the next generation because these finalists are inspiring."

Online public voting begins on Monday October 19 , at 12:00 am for the Grand prize. The grand prize winner will receive a return flight from their home town to Ottawa , with their parent/guardian, to meet The Right Honourable Stephen Harper* on Wednesday November 4th, 2009 . *Prime Ministerial duties permitting. The winner will be announced on October 26th . Also announced will be the top 3 schools with the most eligible contest entries who will receive $1,000 , courtesy of Scotiabank.

Established in 1993, The Learning Partnership is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to championing a strong public education system in Canada through innovative programs, executive leadership, credible research, policy initiatives and public engagement with its partners. Since its inception, more than four million students and leaders in education have participated in one or more of TLP's programs, including Take Our Kids to Work(TM), Welcome to Kindergarten(TM), and Entrepreneurial Adventure.

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2008 the Bank provided about $43 million in sponsorships and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas of healthcare, education, social services and arts and culture. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

For further information: Carrie Shibinsky, Communications Manager, The Learning Partnership, [email protected], [phone]; Ann DeRabbie, Senior Manager, Public Affairs, Scotiabank, [email protected], [phone]