Foresters announces over 260 scholarship recipients across America

 

Toronto, ON, June 26, 2008 – Foresters^TM, a leading fraternal benefit society, announced the more than 260 U.S. recipients of its annual Competitive Scholarship program¹ today. This program recognizes those individuals who demonstrate solid academic performance combined with a commitment to making a difference in their community. Foresters Competitive Scholarships are available to 350 eligible members and their dependent children in the U.S. and Canada each year.

 

"The Foresters Competitive Scholarship benefit is one of several complimentary member benefits available to our members when they purchase a Foresters life insurance or annuity product,” said George Mohacsi, President and CEO of Foresters. “These scholarships have helped to create more than 4,100 brighter futures over 25 years and Foresters will continue to invest in the promise and potential of our members and their communities."

 

Foresters Competitive Scholarship program is celebrating a major milestone this year – its 25th anniversary. Since the inaugural grants were introduced, Foresters has awarded over 4,100 scholarships worth more than $20 million in the U.S. and Canada. This year, Foresters will invest $2.5 million in this program.

 

Foresters has enhanced the Competitive Scholarship program by increasing the number of Ken Peterson Awards for Community Leadership. Beginning with the 2009-2010 academic year, five recipients will receive this special award that recognizes their exceptional leadership, extraordinary effort and ability to overcome adversity, and as a result, are role models in their communities.

 

Mathew Lane of Everett, WA, is one of this year's Ken Peterson Awards for Community Leadership recipients who demonstrates the generosity of spirit upon which Foresters Competitive Scholarship program is based.

 

"My mom and dad have always been generous people and that's how I was introduced to community service – through my parents," said Mathew Lane, a Seattle University student, Seattle, WA. "With the help of the Ken Peterson scholarship from Foresters, I'll not only be able to go to university but I'll also be inspired to continue my community work. I hope to get involved in international service projects and also help out with rebuilding communities."

 

Foresters Competitive Scholarships are also available to members who are currently enrolled as mature students over 25 years of age; those attending undergraduate university, vocational college or trade school; and those students who have taken a one or two year break from studies, as well as high school seniors.

 

Each year, Foresters scholarship recipients are awarded $2,000* for up to a maximum of four years or until their first degree is obtained. A Foresters grant can help pay for tuition, books, supplies, residence, clothes, food or other expenses.

 

The list of the 2008-2009 scholarship recipients, as well as further details about the Foresters Competitive Scholarship program can be found at www.foresters.com. This year's application season runs from September 1 through November 30, 2008.

 

Founded in 1874, Foresters^TM helps individuals and families achieve financial security with its innovative portfolio of life insurance products and annuities. Foresters shares its financial strength with its members, who are customers, through complimentary life, health and education benefits that help its more than 735,000 eligible members and their families in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Foresters provides opportunities that inspire its members to make a difference in their communities. For more information, please visit www.foresters.com.

 

 

 

Note to Editors: Click here for a list of American scholarship recipients by state.