Though Northern Secondary School student Kenneth Yan is only in Grade 11, he is already thinking ahead to university thanks to a scholarship from CIBC, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the YMCA.
Yan, who lives in Regent Park, was awarded a CIBC Youthvision Scholarship, which will see him earn up to $36,000 toward a post-secondary education.He said the scholarship is sure to create new opportunities for him."It will definitely open doors," he said. "University's pretty expensive."The eldest of three children in his single-parent home, Yan helps out a great deal with his two younger siblings, both of whom have autism.He is also active in the community, doing volunteer work at Bloorview Kids' Rehab, a local food bank, at school and elsewhere. He also plays football for Northern Secondary and is part of the school's tutoring program.Yan applied for the scholarship and was surprised to find he was one of the finalists. Given that only 30 students across Canada receive the award, he was thrilled to be named one of the lucky - and deserving - recipients."When I first applied, I didn't think I'd get it, but (Big Brother Joel Bathe) told me to go for it and I decided I would," he said.He is currently weighing his options, but hopes to pursue either business or medicine at Queen's University, McGill or the University of Toronto.Bathe said Yan has impressed him throughout the four years he has mentored the youth through Big Brothers Big Sisters. He noted Yan is always busy with various commitments."He's a very active member of his community," he said. "He has a busier schedule than most adults I know whether it's piano lessons, his family, church, (helping with) swimming lessons or other things."As part of the CIBC Youthvision Scholarship, Yan receives six paid summer internships through the YMCA, which can earn him up to $20,000 toward his post-secondary education. He will also receive up to $16,000 in additional funding to help cover the cost of tuition.The scholarship aims to provide financial support for high achievers starting in Grade 10 who, due to financial and other factors, may not otherwise be able to attend college or university.Yan received his scholarship at a special ceremony held at the CIBC Yonge and Bloor Banking Centre on Wednesday, Sept. 21. While there, he and three other Toronto-area Youthvision Scholarship winners also received a money management training seminar from CIBC staff.