Pathways to Education Canada thrilled to announce BMO Capital Markets as winner of 2014 Impact Award

BMO recognized for their outstanding contribution to Canada's youth through "Equity Through Education" program

TORONTO, Oct. 20, 2014 /CNW/ - Pathways to Education Canada ("Pathways"), a national charity that helps youth from low-income communities graduate high school and successfully transition into post-secondary education or training, on October 22, 2014, will proudly present BMO Capital Markets with the second annual Impact Award at Pathways' flagship fundraising event, Grad Ball.

The Impact Award recognizes and celebrates partners who, through their passion and dedication, have made an outstanding contribution to youth education in disadvantaged communities.

To date, BMO Capital Markets has made a $2 million total investment in Pathways youth, the bulk coming through the highly successful "Equity Through Education" initiative, which each year sees BMO Capital Markets donate a day of institutional equity trading commissions to charities whose goal it is to provide greater access to education for less advantaged students through scholarships, bursaries and other programs.

"BMO Capital Markets' commitment to improving outcomes for youth has gone well beyond their generous support of Pathways," says Pathways president, Vivian Prokop. "On behalf of the thousands of young people who have benefitted, we are proud to be able to recognize BMO's longstanding commitment to youth."

BMO Capital Markets has partnered closely with Pathways since 2005. In addition to their valuable donations over the years - much of which has funded life-changing scholarships for Pathways students - BMO has engaged students and alumni, hosting one-of-a-kind employment and networking events, giving youth the priceless opportunity to mix and mingle with BMO staff.

"BMO Capital Markets is proud to find innovative ways to inspire youth to achieve their best. It has been our pleasure to support Pathways over the years," says Eric Tripp, president, BMO Capital Markets. "It has also been a pleasure to watch both the direct impact Pathways has had on the community in Toronto as well as the overall progress of Pathways as an agent of change in communities across Canada. We are delighted to accept the Impact Award."

The Impact Award will be presented at Pathways' annual flagship gala event, Grad Ball. This year, Grad Ball will "unlock the potential of tomorrow" on October 22, 2014 at Toronto's landmark Westin Harbour Castle.

About Pathways to Education Canada
Pathways to Education Canada is a charitable organization that helps youth in low-income communities graduate high school and successfully transition into post-secondary education or training. Pathways addresses systemic barriers to education by providing leadership, expertise and a community-based program proven to lower dropout rates. Founded in 2001, Pathways operates in 17 communities across Canada, with programs in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Manitoba and British Columbia.

Pathways was recently recognized with a 2013 World Innovation Summit for Education award (WISE) from the Qatar Foundation for its innovative and effective work in education - the first Canadian organization to receive the honour.

About BMO Capital Markets
BMO Capital Markets is a leading, full-service North American financial services provider offering equity and debt underwriting, corporate lending and project financing, merger and acquisitions advisory services, securitization, treasury management, market risk management, debt and equity research and institutional sales and trading. BMO Capital Markets has more than 2,300 employees operating in 29 locations around the world, including 16 in North America.

BMO Capital Markets is a member of BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO), one of the largest diversified financial services providers in North America with US$538 billion total assets and more than 47,000 employees as at July 31, 2014.

To learn more about the "Equity Through Education" initiative, visit bmocm.com/equitythrougheducation.

SOURCE: Pathways to Education Canada

on Grad Ball, visit gradball.ca or contact:

Colleen Ryan
Director Marketing and Communications
Pathways to Education Canada
[email protected]