Unique program lays foundation for success with tuition, mentorship and job experience

TORONTO, June 22, 2015 /CNW/ - CIBC (TSX:CM) (NYSE:CM), the Lead Partner of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, is pleased to announce this year's CIBC Youthvision™ Scholarship winners, who will be officially introduced as the Class of Pan Am at a special two-day forum in July.

This one-of-a-kind scholarship program, now in its 17^th year, supports high-potential Grade 10 students from across Canada who might not otherwise have the financial means to pursue a higher education.

This year's 30 recipients will receive up to $38,000 in funding, mentorship and job experience. The Class of Pan Am will also experience the thrill of watching some of the world's best track and field athletes go for gold on the final weekend of the Games at the CIBC Pan Am/Parapan Am Athletics Stadium.

"I can't express enough how honored I am to be chosen for such an amazing opportunity," says Shivani Sharma, a CIBC Youthvision Class of Pan Am recipient from Burnaby, B.C. who grew up in a single-income household. "I'm looking forward to the years to come so I can give back to the community in return for the hope they have given me. Thanks for everything CIBC!"

Helping children obtain education and inspiring them through the power of sport are among CIBC's core beliefs. As part of our sports legacy to the Games, CIBC introduced the CIBC Youthvision Scholarship Athlete Award in 2013, which is given annually to three students who demonstrate excellence in sport and sport leadership. This year's recipients are from Edmonton, Fredericton and Mississauga.

"At CIBC, we are strongly committed to supporting Canada's youth by helping them achieve their academic and career goals on their way to becoming strong leaders of tomorrow," says Sharon Mathers, Senior Vice-President, Communications and Public Affairs, CIBC. "On behalf of CIBC, I would like to congratulate this year's outstanding CIBC Youthvision Scholarship Class of Pan Am recipients."

The recipients are:

* Last name withheld by request

To date, CIBC has invested more than $15 million in the CIBC Youthvision Program to help improve the lives of more than 500 Canadian youth.

About CIBC

CIBC is a leading Canadian-based global financial institution with 11 million personal banking and business clients. Through our three major business units - Retail and Business Banking, Wealth Management and Wholesale Banking - CIBC offers a full range of products and services through its comprehensive electronic banking network, branches and offices across Canada with offices in the United States and around the world. You can find other news releases and information about CIBC in our Media Centre on our corporate website at www.cibc.com/ca/media-centre/.

About the CIBC Youthvision Scholarship Program

Each year the CIBC Youthvision Scholarship program commits more than $1 million to make post-secondary education dreams a reality for high-potential grade 10 students. This one-of-a-kind program is awarded at the critical time in grade 10, which research shows relieves financial stress, builds confidence and self-esteem and encourages independence by enabling life and educational planning. Now in its 17^th year, this program has helped more than 500 students. To be eligible, Grade 10 students must be enrolled in a mentoring program with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada or the YMCA. For more information visit www.cibc.com/youthvision. 

SOURCE Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce