What is the Inversting in Our Diversity Scholarship Employment Program?

The Investing in Our Diversity Scholarship Employment Program is a joint initiative of Scotiabank, Scadding Court Community Centre and St. Stephen’s Community House. This year 60 graduating high school students living in seven priority neighbourhoods will be considered for the Investing in Our Diversity Scholarships based on their academic achievement and their anti-oppression community work. Through this partnership we are a working to engage the corporate sector to provide summer employment opportunities for these exceptional young people.


Why do we need your help?

By supporting the youth in these neighbourhoods, together we can strengthen these neighbourhoods and the city as a whole by providing summer jobs with a future.

Who are the partners?

By supporting the youth in these neighbourhoods, together we can strengthen these neighbourhoods and the city as a whole by providing summer jobs with a future.

  • Scotiabank is one of Canada’s oldest and most successful banks with a proven track record of community involvement. Scotiabank will provide leadership in soliciting support among the corporate community.
  • Scadding Court Community Centre oversees the selection and recruitment of scholarship applicants and winners. Since 2003 Scadding Court Community Centre has awarded over $150,000 to Investing in Our Diversity Scholarship to deserving high school graduates in low income communities.
  • St. Stephen’s Community House through it’s employment and training services will oversee the matching and placement of the students with participating employers. St. Stephen’s has over 25 years experience in delivering employment services to students, youth and employers in downtown Toronto.
  • Employers – like you – play the most important role by providing scholarship applicants with summer employment with career potential. You play a crucial role by opening doors and acting as role models and mentors.

Who are the students?

Participating students are the 60 applicants for the 14 Investing in Our Diversity Scholarship Awards to be awarded this winter. In seven neighbourhoods one female and one male is selected for the scholarships. Awards are given based on their academic achievement and their commitment to anti oppression activiities  in their schools and community. They represent a new generation of youth leadership in their communities and schools. All applicants are pursuing and have been accepted for post secondary education.

These are young people from isolated communities in need of the important first step to kick-start their careers. These are young people eager to show their abilities and contribute to the city and your business.