Foresters awards 350 academic scholarships to students in North America

TORONTO, July 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Three hundred and fifty students across Canada and the US can focus more on their studies than on the cost of tuition thanks to Foresters^TM, an international life insurance provider committed to the well-being of families. The students were recently awarded renewable scholarships for their commitment to education and community service.

"The Foresters Competitive Scholarship Program celebrates students who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their community and studies. This year's recipients went above and beyond our requirements. On average, they've contributed 750 volunteer hours in their communities while maintaining a 3.7 GPA," said Kasia Czarski, Senior Vice President and Chief Membership and Marketing Officer.  "Attaining a solid education is important but the high costs of tuition can be prohibitive. By using our financial strength, Foresters helps reduce the costs and makes education more affordable for our members and their families."

For almost 30 years, Foresters has awarded more than 7,300 scholarships to applicants who have shared Foresters commitment to community service and demonstrated solid academic performance. In total, Foresters has provided students with more than $30 million in financial support in the US, Canada and the UK.

Five Ken Peterson awards for Community Service are also granted annually, offering up to $11,000. The award recognizes applicants who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and extraordinary effort and ability to overcome adversity, serving as role models in their communities.

Valerie Eby is one of this year's Ken Peterson Award recipients. Valerie is a mature student going into her second year at Eastern Michigan University, studying History.  She has been an active volunteer for many years; teaching, tutoring and mentoring young people. She was a foster parent for 10 years that resulted in six adoptions. She also volunteers at a facility for the elderly and leads the music program at the St. Francis de Sales Association for women ranging in age from 35 to 91.

Foresters Competitive Scholarship Program is administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. and is open to eligible members, their spouses and dependent children, including grandchildren who will be continuing their post-secondary education. Members interested in applying for a scholarship for the 2013-2014 academic year can do so from December 1, 2012 through February 28, 2013.

For more information regarding the Foresters Competitive Scholarship program visit foresters.com

About Foresters
Foresters™ is a life insurance provider with a difference.  The fraternal benefit society, founded in 1874, supports family well-being through quality products, unique member benefits and inspiring community activities. Foresters shares its financial strength with almost 950,000 members in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.  For more information, visit foresters.com.

Foresters™ is the trade name and a trademark of The Independent Order of Foresters, a fraternal benefit society, 789 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Canada M3C 1T9; its subsidiaries are licensed to use this mark.

SOURCE Foresters