TORONTO, Aug. 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The International Language Academy of Canada (ILAC), in partnership with the Canadian Hispanic Business Alliance (CHBA), is pleased to announce the finalists of the ILAC Leadership Scholarships for Hispanic Women. Ten young women from across Latin America will each receive a one-year scholarship to study English at ILAC in Toronto.

“These women are a true inspiration,” says Jonathan Kolber, Co-Founder of ILAC. “We hope to make a difference in their lives by giving them this chance to study abroad in Canada.”

To be eligible for the scholarships, applicants were asked to submit a one-minute video describing their achievements and goals in community service and leadership. The submissions were judged on the basis of their content and creativity and the CHBA was responsible for vetting the submissions and passing on the top 30 to ILAC to choose the final ten.

The competition attracted almost 200 applicants from across Spanish-speaking Latin American, including Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, Venezuela, Peru and Bolivia. The ten winners of the scholarships are from diverse backgrounds and interests and were selected on the basis of their video submissions and letters of reference.

“Selecting the 30 finalists from close to 200 applicants was exceptionally difficult,” says Mauricio Ospina, Executive Director of CHBA, who will also provide mentorship to the women during their studies in Canada. “The final winners reflect the incredible diversity and achievements of young Hispanic women who play an important role in the future of the region.”

The ten scholars are expected to begin their studies at ILAC in Toronto starting January 2019. Each scholarship is valued at $10,000 CAD for the duration of one academic year (nine months).

View the finalist list and their winning videos for the ILAC Leadership Scholarships for Hispanic Women!

About ILAC

The International Language Academy of Canada (ILAC) is a world leader in English language programming. Since 2009, ILAC has offered scholarships for women from around the world as part of the ILAC Foundation.

About CHBA

The Canadian Hispanic Business Alliance (CHBA) is a private sector social enterprise that promotes entrepreneurship and the image of Hispanics in Canada. Since 2007, it runs the only national program of its kind: TD Bank’s “10 most influential Hispanic Canadians” awards.

MEDIA CONTACT

Bogie Anaya bogie@ilac.com (416) 671-6644

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/Attachm...e743621843