By Jasminee Sahoye

The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) is offering three scholarship awards to anyone who lives in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), applied to a post secondary school in Canada and plans to attend in the 2013/2014 academic year.

The awards will be handed out to these prospective students during Black History Month celebration in February for the three best written essays. The essays must be no more than 750 words and capture ‘How black Canadians have helped to define Canada’s diverse heritage and identity through their achievements and contributions to the broader society.’

Entries must be the original work of and written solely by the entrant. The essay must be double-spaced, numbered and type-written. Submissions must be postmarked or emailed on or before December 17, 2012.

The essays will be judged on how well the essay addresses the question or topic; how well the essay is organized; the use of personal and non-personal examples to illustrate your point of view and writing accuracy (spelling, grammar and punctuation)

The scholarship funds will be administered by the Toronto Foundation for Student Success. Each winner will have to show proof of acceptance to a Canadian post secondary institution prior to receiving the scholarship funds.

The first place winner will receive $3,000 while the second prize is $2,000 and the third place winner will receive $1,000 for his/her tuition.

Winners will be announced on February 4, 2013 at the RBC Black History Month celebration.

Every year RBC Royal Bank takes this time to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of black Canadians, who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse and prosperous nation we are today. During Black History Month, Canadians can gain insight into the experiences of black Canadians and the vital role this community has played throughout our shared history.

Essays could be mailed to: RBC Black History Month Student Essay Competition, RBC Royal Bank, 20 King Street West, 11th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 1C4 or emailed to blackhistorymonth@rbc.com

Details on rules of the competition can be obtained at our newspaper’s website localhost/camera