CIBC YouthvisionTM Scholarship Program

Ten years ago we set out to change lives and build futures

Ten years ago, CIBC, in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada and the YMCA, created the CIBC Youthvision™ Scholarship Program to address the academic and financial needs of students, and to encourage them to pursue post-secondary education.

Realizing that confidence, pride and opportunity can overcome even the most formidable barrier, this unique program includes a post-secondary scholarship valued at up to $36,000, as well as summer internships starting in grade 10 until the completion of university or college.

CIBC Youthvision recipients are also paired with trusted, understanding mentors throughout the entire program, who provide support and guidance as they strive to reach their full potential. Recipients surveyed tell us that being awarded the scholarship opened up opportunities that otherwise would not have been available.

To date, we have committed $10 million in the dreams of 330 CIBC Youthvision Scholarship recipients and helped shape their futures in ways that they could have only imagined.

Meet a Graduate: Ijeoma Emesowum

"If you would have asked me in grade 9, do you think that you are going to get this scholarship; do you think that you are going to be valedictorian, captain of the cheerleading squad and one of the principal roles in your high school play, I would have laughed. The scholarship was definitely a catalyst. It was the little light bulb that went off - I can reach the goals that I thought were only dreams."

Ijeoma Emesowum received the CIBC Youthvision Scholarship in 2002 and graduated in 2008 from the University of Windsor with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.

Through the summer internships, Ijeoma had the opportunity to work at YMCA summer camps, which she credits with developing her organization, cooperation and teamwork skills. Ijeoma also speaks highly of her relationship with her mentor, who she says provided invaluable support and encouragement as she pursued her post-secondary education. "My Big Sister isn't just a mentor, I consider her to be my sister, part of my family. She was always there to give an encouraging word and she was always someone I could look to for support."

Ijeoma debuts this season at the Shaw Festival in "Born Yesterday" and "The Devil's Disciple". Her recent theatre credits include the Canadian Stage Company's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and the University of Windsor's productions of "The Norbals", "Jitters", "The Women", and "Appointment with Death". Ijeoma is also a member of b current's rAiz'n ensemble.