"I'm so thankful I live in Canada where help, like the CIBC Scholarship, is available"

CALGARY, Sept. 26, 2011 /CNW/ - CIBC (CM: TSX) (CM: NYSE) - Calgary Grade 10 student, Cynthia Nguyen, has been awarded a CIBC Youthvision^TM Scholarship valued at up to $36,000. She also won the "Ted Medland Award" (former President and Chairman of CIBC Wood Gundy) for achieving a 95 per cent average - the highest academic average among all 30 scholarship recipients.

"Receiving this scholarship brings me one step closer to achieving my dreams," said Cynthia, 15. "I want to become a pediatrician because I like being around and helping small children. I know this is going to be really challenging, but I think helping kids will be worth all the hard work."

Cynthia's mom, a single parent, immigrated to Canada from Vietnam over 20 years ago and currently works as a seamstress for a local mattress company. Cynthia takes care of her younger 8-year-old brother before and after school while her mom goes to work to support her family.

"My mom was so excited when she found out about the scholarship and proud that my hard work in school is paying off. I think she is relieved too, knowing some of my university tuition is taken care of," added Cynthia. "I'm so thankful I live in Canada where help, like the CIBC Youthvision Scholarship, is available."

Early intervention in Grade 10 makes this scholarship program unique in Canada. CIBC Youthvision™ targets high-potential young people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue a university or college education. To be eligible, Grade 10 students must be enrolled in a mentoring program with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada or the YMCA.

"Congratulations to Cynthia Nguyen on being awarded a CIBC Youthvision Scholarship and achieving the highest grades of all our winners," said Mike Stevenson, CIBC Senior Vice-President for Western Canada. "Cynthia was selected for not only her outstanding marks but for all her hard work at school, at home and in the community. We are proud to support such an outstanding individual."

On September 29, 2011 CIBC's Beacon Heights Banking Centre will be present Cynthia six summer internships through the YMCA that begin right after Grade 10, valued at up to $20,000 and tuition for four years, valued at up to $16,000. She will continue to receive mentoring from either Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada or YMCA until she graduates from university. In addition, she will take part in CIBC Money Smarts for Students Seminar to help her shape her financial future as she prepares to head off to college or university.

CIBC is committed to supporting causes that matter to our clients, our employees and our communities.  We aim to make a difference in communities through corporate donations, sponsorships and the volunteer spirit of employees.  With a strategic focus on youth, education and health, and employee commitment to causes including the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, the CIBC Children's Foundation and United Way, we are investing in the social and economic development of communities across the country. In 2010, CIBC group of companies contributed approximately $34 million to charitable and non-profit initiatives in Canada to support national, regional and local organizations. To learn more, visit www.cibc.com.