"I'm going to make my mom proud and reach for my dream"

WINNIPEG, Sept. 26, 2011 /CNW/ - CIBC (CM: TSX) (CM: NYSE) - Winnipeg Grade 10 student, Sabrie Sudi, has been awarded a CIBC Youthvision^TM Scholarship valued at up to $36,000.

"I was shocked to receive the Youthvision Scholarship," said Sabrie, 16, a student at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. "I never expected to receive such a tremendous award. My mom was jumping for joy."

Sabrie's mother arrived in Canada as a refugee from Somalia a few years before Sabrie was born and they still have family in a refugee camp in Kenya. She is currently completing a social work degree, working hard to give Sabrie a better life. Observing his mother makes Sabrie realize the value of a post-secondary education.

"I'm going to make my mom proud and reach for my dream of becoming a lawyer. With this scholarship I will be able to focus on my studies rather than working to earn money for school."

Early intervention in Grade 10 makes this scholarship program unique in Canada. CIBC Youthvision^TM 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 Sabrie Sudi on being awarded a CIBC Youthvision Scholarship and achieving the highest grades of all our winners," said Larry Tomei, CIBC Senior Vice-President for Central Canada. "Sabrie was selected for his success in school, the support he provides his family and the volunteer work he does. We are proud to support such an outstanding individual."

On September 29, 2011 CIBC's Empress Banking Centre will present Sabrie 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. He will continue to receive mentoring from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada until he graduates from university. In addition, he will take part in CIBC Money Smarts for Students Seminar to help him shape his financial future as he prepares to head off to 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