September 30, 2002 For Immediate Release

CIBC has announced a total contribution of $250,000 to a unique program that is helping rural and First Nations students make the transition to University.

The Northern Advancement Program (NAP) provides a series of workshops and social events that help students from small communities succeed at the University. Students enter the program together, and while they are free to pursue whatever degree program they wish, they maintain social contacts that provide academic and personal support throughout their university career. This year, 20 students are participating in the NAP and have come to UNBC from Hazelton, Vanderhoof, Moricetown, Newmarket (Ontario), Smithers, Fort Providence (NWT), Punnichy (Saskatchewan), Masset, Burns Lake, Kispiox, and the Nass Valley. The operation of the NAP is entirely funded by corporate and individual donors.

"At CIBC, we believe that it is important for corporations to contribute back to the communities where we do business," says Wendy Slavin CIBC Senior Vice-President of Branch Banking for BC and the Yukon, "and where our customers and employees live and work."

CIBC has developed many ties with UNBC. Already, the bank has hired more than 20 UNBC alumni to work at its northern branches. The manager of the branch in Quesnel, for example, graduated from the University's Business program in 2002. CIBC has also partnered with UNBC to host the Run for the Cure at UNBC on October 6th to raise money for breast cancer research.

With its contribution, CIBC joins Duke Energy, BC Hydro, Weldwood, and the Maurice Young Foundation as program partners. Many other corporations also support the NAP. UNBC has now raised $1.5 million of the $2 million goal for the ongoing operation of the Northern Advancement Program. CIBC had previously contributed $100,000 to the University, and their $150,000 investment today brings their total to $250,000.

Photos of the event are available upon request