BMO Capital Markets has been recognized by the Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation for its investment in the education of young women who show potential as leaders.

The bank runs an initiative called ‘Equity Through Education’ that has funded 12 undergraduate scholarships each worth up to $75,000 in the past four years.

“We need leaders in every domain and every organization, which is why BMO Capital Markets is a proud supporter of the Loran Awards,” said Mike Miller, BMO Capital Markets’ head of equity products.

Loran Awards are merit awards granted on the basis of character, service and leadership potential. Annually, 3,500 students apply for the awards, and 30 are awarded the scholarships after an intensive interview process.

Each award includes an annual stipend of $8,000, a matching tuition waiver of the same value, $7,500 in funding for a summer internship program, one-on-one mentoring and participation in a national community of past and present Loran scholars. Scholars are able to study any undergraduate discipline at one of 24 partner universities in Canada.

“The team at BMO Capital Markets have made a real difference in the lives of these young people,” says Franca Gucciardi, CEO of CMSF and one of the first Loran scholars. “In Canada, we need to invest significantly in people who show potential for leadership, who aren’t afraid to take on challenges and who are not satisfied with the status quo.”

IE