Royal Bank award goes to Albertan

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CALGARY-Debbie L. Todd, 22, is one of five students attending Canadian universities and colleges who have been notified they will receive $4,000 towards their education this year through the Royal Bank's Native Student Awards Program. Todd and the other award recipients will receive $4,000 annually for educational expenses for a maximum four years of university or two years of college.

Todd, a Metis who has a 3.85 grade point average at the end of her first year of general studies at the University of Calgary, says "It will allow me to concentrate more on my studies rather than worrying about making ends meet with a part-time job, and I'll be able to get out of school without tens of thousands of dollars in debt."

The award also gives Todd, who is considering a career in communications or commerce, the option of attending school out of province. "I haven't researched the different programs yet, because up until March it wasn't even an option, but now that this has come my way . . . it made my year," said Todd.

Recipients of the award who are interested in a financial services career also get further consideration by the bank for summer and post-graduate employment.

Inuit, Metis, status and non-status Aboriginal students are eligible to apply for the scholarship. A committee of Aboriginal academics selects the award winners based on the applicants' personal and academic achievements and their financial need.

More information about the Royal Bank Native Student Awards Program is posted on the bank's website at www.royalbank.com/careers/students/scholarships.html.