20 students will receive up to $70,000 for University or College

TORONTO, Sept. 15, 2011 /CNW/ - Are you one of Canada's leaders of tomorrow? Have you been committed to making change in your community and want to continue to make a difference as you enter post-secondary studies?  TD Bank Group believes there is a world of opportunity waiting for you, and wants to help you achieve your goals.

Each year, TD selects 20 young community leaders from across the country to receive the TD Scholarships for Community Leadership valued at up to $70,000. TD invites applicants to tell us why you should be chosen to represent youth leadership in your community before October 31, 2011.

"TD strongly believes in investing in Canada's youth.  Past TD Scholars for Community Leadership have made an enormous impact in their community by fighting discrimination and bullying; creating environmental and sustainability platforms; and raising money for sick children," says Frank McKenna, Deputy Chair, TD Bank Group.  "These are just some examples of how students have helped to change lives for the better and how one person can make a big difference."

The TD Scholarship for Community Leadership has awarded scholarships to over 320 recipients since 1995, as part of TD's commitment to education and stronger communities. Recipients have come from small villages and big cities, from every part of the country and have won for a huge range of projects. Each scholarship is valued at up to $70,000, including full tuition at any accredited university or college in Canada, mentorship opportunities, $7,500 a year for living expenses and a guaranteed offer of summer employment within TD Bank Group for up to four years.

"We continue to be inspired by the caliber of applicants we see every year," said Dr. Jane Thompson, Executive Director, TD Scholarships for Community Leadership.  "In addition to financial support, our program offers recipients the chance to build relationships with other young community leaders.  We have seen these benefits make a big difference in recipients' academic and professional success.  I strongly encourage students to apply."

Not sure where to start? Dr. Jane Thompson shares her tips for a winning application:

• Write clearly and concisely - let your accomplishments shine through
• Consider the big picture - how have your actions impacted others?
• Apply early - don't risk missing the October 31^st deadline
• Read the requirements carefully - ensure you don't miss anything
• Don't assume you haven't done enough - tell us your story and let us decide.  You can't win if you don't apply!

To obtain an application, eligible students can:

• Visit their high school or CEGEP guidance office
• Check out the website at www.td.com/scholarship
• Call 1-800-308-8306 to request an application

Completed applications must be returned by registered mail and received no later than October 31^st, 2011 to:

All applicants selected as finalists will be notified by mid-January 2012 and interviewed by a selected panel comprised of prominent Canadians in early February. Scholarship recipients will be notified soon after.

TD Community Giving

TD Bank Group invests in communities to make a positive impact where it does business and where our customers, clients and employees live and work. In 2010, TD Bank Group donated over $50 million to support community organizations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In Canada, we focus on Education and Financial Literacy, Creating Opportunities for Young People, and the Environment. For more information, visit www.td.com/corporateresponsibility.