-Applications are open for the TD Scholarships for Community Leadership Program, which will award more than $1 million to 20 Canadian high school students for their post-secondary education-

TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2014 /CNW/ - Every day, high school students across the country work to make a positive impact in their community. Since 1995, TD has recognized these important efforts by awarding more than $18 million in undergraduate scholarships through the TD Scholarships for Community Leadership program. In celebration of the program's 20^th anniversary, TD is highlighting a group of past recipients - 20 Faces of TD Scholarships for Community Leadership - and is sharing their stories to inspire high school students and to encourage those who are already active in their communities to apply for a scholarship.

"For two decades, TD has proudly supported young Canadians who have gone above and beyond to make their local community a better place," says Dr. Jane Thompson, Executive Director, TD Scholarships for Community Leadership. "We are committed to recognizing and rewarding the achievements of our future leaders, and helping them reach their educational and career goals not just through providing financial support, but through mentorship and networking opportunities with TD. We look forward, once again, to being inspired by the heartfelt stories, hard work and dedication of this year's applicants."

A total of 380 young Canadians from across the country have received a TD Scholarship for Community Leadership over the past 20 years for their significant efforts promoting social change and making a difference in their community. Recipients have been recognized for advocating for human rights for the deaf, supporting immigrant students, empowering individuals with disabilities, and encouraging girls interested in male-dominated career fields, to name just a few.
 

"I received the TD Scholarship for Community Leadership for my work on Coins for Afghanistan Drive, an educational campaign I founded to help change the negative feelings towards Afghani people stemming from 9/11," says Naheed Dosani, a physician and 2004 TD Scholarship recipient from Toronto. "I believe that with passion comes the ingenuity required to formulate sustainable change, and that is what I want high school students thinking about getting involved in their communities to know – your passion will drive your actions."

With the support of the scholarship, Naheed obtained an undergraduate degree in Science from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) and has since completed his medical training at McMaster University and the University of Toronto.  Naheed now works at St. Michael's Hospital and William Osler Health System and recently founded and leads the Palliative Education and Care for the Homeless (PEACH) Initiative. 

Each TD Scholarship for Community Leadership is valued at up to $70,000 and includes tuition at any accredited university or college in Canada, $7,500 a year for living expenses, offers of summer employment for up to four years, and mentorship and networking opportunities.

To help encourage new applications, TD is sharing the stories of 20 Faces of TD Scholarships for Community Leadership, past scholarship recipients who are continuing to improve many aspects of Canadian society.

20 Faces of TD Scholarships for Community Leadership:
(Note: The first location listed is where the student lived when finishing high school and the second is current place of residence. One location indicates they have stayed in the same location.)

How to apply for a TD Scholarship for Community Leadership

In order to qualify for a TD Scholarship for Community Leadership, students must be able to demonstrate a consistent effort to better their community. Students must also be in their final year of high school or CEGEP (in Quebec) and have a minimum overall grade average of 75% in their most recently completed school year to be eligible to apply.  

Students can apply online using the digital application form, or print their application and mail it to TD by the application deadline. Applications are available online at www.td.com/scholarship and the deadline to apply is November 28, 2014.
 

Up to 80 finalists from across the country will be selected and notified in March, 2015 and interviewed by a panel made up of prominent Canadians in March and April 2015. The 20 TD Scholarship for Community Leadership recipients will be notified soon after and they will be recognized at the 20th Annual TD Scholarship for Community Leadership National Awards Ceremony.

About TD Community Giving

TD Bank Group invests in communities in order to effect positive change in the places where it operates and where its clients and employees live and work. In 2013, TD donated more than $74.7 million to community organizations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In Canada, TD focuses on education and financial literacy, creating opportunities for young people and the environment. For further information, please visit www.td.com/corporate-responsibility.

SOURCE TD Bank Group