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 /PRNewswire/ - 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.

This fall, Ciana Cervantes, one of this year's scholarship recipients, will be entering the last semester of a 3-year nursing program at California State University in Long Beach, CA. For nearly 10 years, Ciana has volunteered as a camp counselor for organizations like Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, supporting children and families whose lives have been affected by life-threatening illnesses. As a counselor, Ciana is a true leader. She shows the kids that they can achieve anything they put their minds to and also helps them build their confidence.

"I believe that camp is a magical place that facilitates opportunities for families to connect with others who share similar life experiences," said Ciana. "The bonds that are formed at camp are similar to the ones that Foresters creates between its members and the community through community activities."

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. Members interested in applying for a scholarship for the 2016-2017 academic year can do so 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 U.S. scholarship recipients.

SOURCE Foresters

Related Links

www.foresters.com