Community
Commonwealth Bank Emerging Leaders Award Programme provides $50,000 towards COB fund
By Diane Phillips, DP&A
Aug 10, 2016 - 10:11:22 AM

Commonwealth Bank Emerging Leaders Award Programme Provides $50,000 Towards Endowment Fund at The College of The Bahamas - Pictured L to R: Davinia Blair, VP Advancement, COB; Ian Jennings, President, Commonwealth Bank; Dr. Rodney Smith, President, COB; Anthea Cox, VP HR & Training, Commonwealth Bank and Peter Mitchell, Acting Director, Development & Alumni Relations, COB.

Nassau, Bahamas - For the fifth consecutive year, Commonwealth Bank is offering students at The College of The Bahamas (COB) hope, encouragement and support in the form of scholarships as part of  Commonwealth Bank’s Emerging Leaders Award Programme.

Established in 2012, the $500,000 endowment fund managed by COB provides $50,000 worth of financial aid annually to promising full-time undergraduates who meet and maintain specific qualifications. To be eligible, students must be in good academic standing and demonstrate financial need. Over the course of this 10-year commitment, the gift will fund 40 student awards, valued at up to $12,000 each. To date, Commonwealth Bank contributions have totaled $250,000.

“Supporting education in The Bahamas has always been, and will always be, our bank’s top priority,” said President Ian A. Jennings. “We strongly believe that our country’s future, both economically and culturally, depends on helping our brightest minds succeed.”

Mr. Jennings added that this doesn’t only apply to students at the college level, but to all levels of education, including technical training. Over the years, Commonwealth Bank has consistently donated equipment to both primary and secondary schools throughout New Providence as well as the Family Islands.

As a fully Bahamian owned institution, Commonwealth Bank is committed to social responsibility. Last year alone, the financial institution reinvested more than half a million dollars in the community including contributing to fighting hunger, assisting law enforcement, aiding hurricane relief efforts, donating toward the expansion of the Cancer Caring Centre in Nassau and providing thousands of students with back to school supplies as well as donating to tech equipment for classrooms.

“Not only do we measure our bank’s strong performance in financial goals, but also in fulfillment of our pledge to assist our community,” Mr. Jennings said. “As one of the top performing banks in the country, it’s our obligation to give back where we can.”

With more than $1.5 billion in assets, Commonwealth Bank operates branches in New Providence, Grand Bahama and Abaco, and employs more than 550 staff. The all-Bahamian owned and operated bank is publicly traded and has consistently paid quarterly dividends since going public in 2000.  For more information, please visit www.combankltd.com

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