CST in the News

News Releases

Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation Celebrates the Determination Shown by 35 Students in 2021

TORONTO, ON (September 27, 2021) – The Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation (CSTF) has proudly awarded $250,000 to 35 Canadian students who are determined to access post-secondary education through is 2021 Awards and Bursaries program. As a reflection of CSTF’s commitment to making post-secondary education accessible, this year’s program supports access to higher learning for first-generation students whose financial need may make it difficult for them to continue their studies. CST is thrilled to award 10 of its beneficiaries with $10,000 each to continue their education through another post-secondary program and $6,000 each to 25 very deserving high school graduates.

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The CST Inspired Minds® Learning Project Awards 33 Community Organizations That Facilitate Access to Post-Secondary Studies

TORONTO, ON (August 24, 2021) – Fuelled by a belief that post-secondary aspirations and planning start early in a child’s life, the Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation (CSTF) is pleased to support 33 community organizations that are making a difference in the lives of lower-income families all across Canada. Through its CST Inspired Minds® Learning Project, CSTF has granted over $160,000 to organizations that support children and youth to obtain the necessary grades, skills, and self-confidence to succeed in school.

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2021 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award Winner Announced

TORONTO, ON – MusiCounts is thrilled to announce that Dr. Mary Piercey-Lewis from Inuksuk High School in Iqaluit, Nunavut is the winner of the 2021 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, presented by the Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation (CST Foundation)

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CST Now Accepting Grant Applications for the CST Inspired Minds Learning Project

TORONTO, ON (May 4, 2021) – The Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation (CSTF) is now accepting applications for its 2021 CST Inspired Minds Learning Project. Fuelled by a belief in the transformative power of education, CSTF is offering grants of up to $5,000 to community organizations and education initiatives across the country. This year, CST has increased its overall available funding to $160,000, which will serve at least 30 organization and initiatives.

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Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation Announces New 2021 Awards Program

TORONTO, ON (April 5, 2021) – The Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation (CSTF) is excited to open the submission period for its 2021 Awards and Bursaries program. From today until May 7, 2021, students can apply for a CSTF Bursary or CSTF Founders’ Award to support their post-secondary education. This year’s program gives even more Canadian students a chance to receive post-secondary education funding from CST.

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MusiCounts Announces Gary Slaight as the 2021 MusiCounts Inspired Minds Ambassador Award

Tuesday, March 9, 2021 — TORONTO, ON - Today, MusiCounts announced Gary Slaight, President and CEO of The Slaight Foundation, as the 2021 recipient of the MusiCounts Inspired Minds Ambassador Award, presented by The Canadian Scholarship Trust (CST) Foundation. Gary is being recognized for the extraordinary philanthropic contributions he has made to music education in Canada. To amplify Gary’s efforts, $30,000 worth of MusiCounts Band Aid Program instrument grants will be awarded to three Canadian schools in his name.

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Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation Celebrates the Resilience Shown by Students Throughout 2020

TORONTO, ON (February 23, 2021) – The Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation (CSTF) has proudly awarded $203,000 to 26 Canadian students to support their continued academic ambition. For the past 12 months, students have faced unprecedented circumstances in their education journeys. As the second half of a challenging school year begins, the students showcased in the video here are showing resilience as they find their paths to build a better future for Canadians. And, in a year that provided many unexpected challenges, CST is especially thrilled to award seventeen students each with $10,000 to pursue graduate studies, and a total of $33,000 to nine very deserving high school graduates to pursue their chosen post-secondary program.

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C.S.T. Consultants Inc. (CSTC) announces 2020 investment returns for Customers of its Registered Education Savings Plans

TORONTO, ONTARIO (February 3, 2021) – C.S.T. Consultants Inc. (CSTC) is pleased to report a 3.5 per cent rate of return after fees for CST™ Advantage Plan for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2020. After one of the most challenging years in recent history for society and global economies, this positive return sustains CSTC’s five-year net rate of return at over five per cent.

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CST and RHF Celebrate Canadian Innovators Making Positive Impacts

TORONTO, ON – Nov. 16, 2020 – This year has been one like no other with plenty of changes for people around the world. While dealing with unexpected challenges and new opportunities, Canadians are finding ways to innovate, dream big and defy the odds. It’s becoming increasingly clear that rapid innovation will be the key to successfully navigating an ever-changing world, where world events will shape future careers, and critical skills are imperative. As we approach the end of an unprecedented year, the Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation (CST) is partnering with the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) to celebrate Canadian innovators making positive impacts locally and abroad.

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The CST Inspired Minds Learning Project Awards Nearly $140,000 in Funding to Help Learning Happen

TORONTO, ON (July 9, 2020) – This year, our children and youth have faced unprecedented challenges in their education. The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant disruption to learning across Canada, especially in underserved regions. The Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation (CSTF) believes in the power of education and inspiring growth. To help keep children learning, CSTF has awarded nearly $140,000 to schools and community organizations through its CST Inspired Minds® Learning Project.

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Eskasoni, Nova Scotia's Carter Chiasson Announced As The 2020 MusiCounts Teacher Of The Year Award Recipient

TORONTO, ON (February 20, 2020) - MusiCounts, Canada's leading music education charity, is pleased to announce that Carter Chiasson, a teacher at Allison Bernard Memorial High School in Eskasoni, NS, is the recipient of the 2020 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, presented by the Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation. Each year, the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award recognizes an inspirational and passionate Canadian music educator's impact on students and music education.

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CST Consultants Inc. announces 2019 investment returns for customers of its Registered Education Savings Plans

TORONTO, ONTARIO (January 27, 2020) – C.S.T. Consultants Inc. (CSTC) is pleased to report a 12.1% rate of return after fees for the CST Advantage Plan, formally known as the CST Group Savings Plan 2001, for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2019. The CST Group Savings Plan 2001 has been renamed to CST Advantage Plan effective January 2020 and represents CSTC’s largest Plan offering with approximately $4.6 billion in assets under management. Assets for all Canadian Scholarship Trust Plans sponsored by the Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation rose to a combined amount of over $5.2 billion as of the fiscal year end.

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Gord Bamford Announced As 2019-2020 MusiCounts Inspired Minds Ambassador Award Recipient

TORONTO, ON (October 23, 2019) - Today, MusiCounts announced Gord Bamford as the 2019-2020 recipient of the MusiCounts Inspired Minds Ambassador Award, presented by The Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation. The award recognizes individuals who have had an extraordinary impact on music education and MusiCounts over the course of its history.

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Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation Recognizes Academically Extraordinary and Socially Active Students at the 2019 Graduate Awards

TORONTO, ON (October 22, 2019) – On September 16, 2019, The Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation (CSTF) proudly awarded $10,000 to 16 talented Canadian students to support their continued academic ambition. This year’s Graduate Awards event took place at the Sheraton Centre Hotel in Toronto, Ontario. In addition, CST Consultants Inc. granted three very deserving high school graduates with a Scholarship Award of $6,000 to help pursue their post-secondary education programs.

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Linda Schuyler And Stephen Stohn Announced As 2019 Recipients of The MusiCounts Inspired Minds Ambassador Award

TORONTO, ON (March 19, 2019) - MusiCounts is pleased to announce Linda Schuyler and Stephen Stohn are the 2019 recipients of the MusiCounts Inspired Minds Ambassador Award, presented by The Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation. The award recognizes individuals who have had an extraordinary impact on music education and MusiCounts over the course of its 22-year history.

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CST Consultants Inc. announces 2018 investment returns for customers of its Registered Education Savings Plans

TORONTO, ONTARIO (February 14, 2019) – CST Consultants Inc. is pleased to report a 0.9% rate of return after fees for Group Saving Plan 2001(“GSP 2001”) for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2018. GSP 2001 is CST Consultants’ largest Plan offering with approximately $4.1 billion in assets under management. Assets for all CST RESPs, sponsored by the Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation, rose to a combined amount of $4.8 billion as of October 31, 2018.

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Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation Recognizes Exceptional Students at the 2018 Graduate Awards

TORONTO (October 22, 2018) – The Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation (CST) awarded 13 exceptionally talented Canadian students with the Graduate Awards at the Sheraton Hotel in Toronto on September 17, 2018. To recognize some of the brightest young minds in Canada, CSTF proudly presented awards of $10,000 to each graduate student to support their academic ambition. In addition, CST Consultants Inc. (a subsidiary of CST), granted $6,000 scholarships to two very deserving high school grads to help pay for their undergraduate programs.

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C.S.T. Consultants Inc. (CSTC) announces 2017 investment returns for Clients of its Group Savings Plan 2001 Registered Education Savings Plan

TORONTO, ONTARIO (April 27, 2018) – C.S.T. Consultants Inc. (CSTC) is pleased to report a 7.0% rate of return after fees for Group Saving Plan 2001(“GSP 2001”) for the one-year annualized period ending December 31, 2017. GSP 2001 represents CSTC’s largest Plan offering with approximately $4.1 billion in assets under management. Assets for all Canadian Scholarship Trust Plans sponsored by the Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation rose to a combined amount of $4.8 billion as of December 31, 2017.

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Jim Cuddy announced as recipient of the 2018 Musicounts Inspired Minds Ambassador Award

TORONTO, ON – Today, MusiCounts, Canada's leading music education charity, announced that Canadian music icon Jim Cuddy will be the recipient of the 2018 MusiCounts Inspired Minds Ambassador Award, presented by The Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation. The award recognizes individuals who have had an extraordinary impact on music education and MusiCounts.

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C.S.T. Consultants Inc. (CSTC) announces 2017 investment returns for Clients of its Registered Education Savings Plans

TORONTO, ONTARIO (January 26, 2018) – C.S.T. Consultants Inc. (CSTC) is pleased to report a 4.7% rate of return after fees for Group Saving Plan 2001(“GSP 2001”) for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2017.

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Bob and Jan Ezrin inaugural recipients of MusiCounts Inspired Minds Ambassador Award, presented by Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation

TORONTO, ONTARIO (March 23, 2017) – Today, Canada's leading music education charity, MusiCounts and The Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation announced that Bob Ezrin and Jan Ezrin will be the inaugural recipients of the MusiCounts Inspired Minds Ambassador Award, presented by The Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation.

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C.S.T. Consultants Inc. (CSTC) announces returns for Clients in 2016 of its Registered Education Savings Plans

TORONTO, ONTARIO (January 30, 2017) – C.S.T. Consultants Inc. (CSTC) is pleased to report a 6.0% net rate of return for Group Saving Plan 2001(“GSP 2001”) for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2016.

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Latest university tuition fee numbers released by Statistics Canada show need for parents to plan ahead

Toronto, ON (September 7, 2016) - Parents saving with a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for their child shouldn't worry about the latest data on tuition fees coming from Statistics Canada, not if they plan ahead.

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C.S.T. Consultants Inc. (CSTC) announces changes to the portfolio managers of its Registered Education Savings Plans

TORONTO, ONTARIO (October 20, 2015) – C.S.T. Consultants Inc. is pleased to announce changes to the portfolio managers of the Canadian Scholarship Trust Plans. Effective October 20, 2015, CIBC Asset Management Inc., CGOV Asset Management, and Sionna Investment Managers Inc. will join TD Asset Management Inc., Greystone Managed Investments Inc., BMO Asset Management Inc., BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited, and Canso Investment Counsel Ltd. in assuming portfolio manager duties for the Canadian Scholarship Trust Plans.

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Province delivers a big blow to Alberta newborns in latest budget

Toronto, On (March 27, 2015) - The 2015 Alberta budget will deprive parents who give birth after March 31^st the head start on their child’s education savings that other parents have benefited from for years. Meanwhile, other parents will be left scrambling to claim what’s left of the Alberta Centennial Education Savings (ACES) Plan.

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CST Consultants kicks off partnership with Canadian soccer star Christine Sinclair to promote the importance of post-secondary education

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Over 10,000 Registered for Saskatchewan Advantage Grant for Education Savings (SAGES)

Over 10,000 children in Saskatchewan families have received more than $2 million since the Saskatchewan Advantage Grant for Education Savings (SAGES) program was officially launched earlier this year.

“I am pleased that so many families in Saskatchewan are utilizing SAGES to help invest in their children’s future,” Advanced Education Minister Kevin Doherty said. “Our Government wants to ensure that as many students as possible receive the opportunity to participate in and complete their post-secondary education and this program will help them accomplish this.”

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Hockey vs. Education: Canadians are still struggling to score the right balance this winter

1 in 4 parents say they or someone they know regret how much they’ve spent on extracurriculars

Toronto, ON (November 17, 2014) – Although more than two-thirds (69 per cent) of parents believe every kid should learn to play hockey since it’s an important part of growing up Canadian, 1 in 4 parents say they or someone they know regret how much they spent, with many using funds they don’t have to keep their kids on the ice.

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The CST Inspired Minds Learning Project is back with $100,000 in grants available

National competition hosted by CST Consultants Inc. helps not-for-profits fund children’s programs

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Saving trumps spending for Canadian parents this back-to-school season

Toronto, ON (August 19, 2014) – Parents are getting the message to stop spending and start saving for their kids. According to a survey conducted by C.S.T Consultants (CST), one of Canada’s largest RESP providers, parents are focused on long-term savings and won’t be spending the big bucks on fancy technology, gadgets or school supplies this back-to-school season.

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CST Survey finds Growing Anxiety around Education and Careers of the Future

Toronto, ON (April 1, 2014) – When asked to identify the most important subjects to prepare students for their future careers, it’s not surprising that 90 per cent of Canadians pointed to science, technology and math courses in a recent survey from CST Consultants (CST), one of Canada’s leading RESP providers.

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Ninety-two per cent of Canadian parents see their retirement plans as unstable with cost of post-secondary education among top concerns

Toronto, ON

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Canadian families are sacrificing more to put gifts under the tree this year

Canadian families are sacrificing more to put gifts under the tree this year

Toronto, ON (December 13, 2013) – With less than two weeks left until the holidays, CST Consultants Inc. (CST) is encouraging Canadians to think outside the box when buying gifts.

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Canadian parents are willing to go into debt to put a child in hockey

Canadian parents are willing to go into debt or even defer their retirement to put a child in hockey and other activities

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Ground-breaking researcher from Boiestown wins national scholarship

Cash infusion helps keep student debt at bay

Toronto, ON – September 19, 2013 – Boiestown student, and ground-breaking researcher Zoe Hunter is one of 10 Canadian students selected to receive $7,500 towards her graduate studies this year from the Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation.

Hunter was chosen from more than 260 applicants across Canada to receive the Gladys Neale Award, based on her academic excellence, community service and extra-curricular activities.

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Yukon student wins big scholarship

Cash infusion helps keep student debt at bay

Toronto, ON – September 16, 2013 – Yukon student, Stacey Sellars is one of 10 Canadian students selected to receive $7,500 towards her graduate studies this year from the Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation.

Sellars was chosen from more than 260 applicants across Canada to receive the Kenneth Le M. Carter Award, based on her academic excellence, community service and extra-curricular activities.

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Tuition fee numbers not as frightening as they appear

Toronto, ON – September 13, 2013 - Parents paying into a RESP for their child shouldn’t feel the burden of the latest data on tuition fees coming from Statistics Canada.

“The numbers released by Statistics Canada shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone paying attention to the increase in fees over the past decade and half,” says Peter Lewis Vice President at CST Consultants Inc and the Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation.

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Back to school planning doesn’t stop after Labour Day

5 reasons to prepare for the cost of post-secondary education

Toronto, ON – August 28, 2013 – As students head back to school, parents should review how they plan to cover the increasing cost of post-secondary education.

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The costliest mistake Canadian families with young children make with their tax refund

Toronto, ON - May 6, 2013 – As parents breathe a sigh of relief after getting their income tax returns filed on time, many have already started dreaming about what they will do with their tax refund. The average income tax refund is now approximately $1700 according to the Canada Revenue Agency.

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Two-thirds of children in Saskatchewan are losing out on important education savings grants

CST Consultants’ Start Early Saskatchewan campaign looking to change that

Regina, SK – April 16, 2013 – An education can lead to a life time of opportunities, but can also lead to a life time of bills. That’s why the Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation believes every little bit counts when it comes to saving for your child’s future education.

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Media Advisory: Start Early Saskatchewan campaign launch

Regina, SK – April 11, 2013 – The Honourable Don Morgan, Minister of Advanced Education will join Peter Lewis, Vice- President of Regulatory and Corporate Affairs at the Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation to announce the start of the Start Early Saskatchewan campaign.

The campaign encourages families to start saving early for their children’s post-secondary education, share their own experiences with other families and promote the new Saskatchewan Advantage Grant for Education Savings (SAGES).

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RESP grant proposal from B.C. government welcome news for CST plan holders

Toronto, ON — February 20, 2013 — Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation (CST) applauds the Government of British Columbia for announcing a new grant for families who have invested in their child’s post-secondary education through a Registered Education Savings Plan.

As the pioneer of education savings plans in Canada, CST has been advocating on behalf of its plan holders and Canadian families to repurpose the Children’s Education Fund (CEF) to create an RESP grant.

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CST Consultants named one of Canada’s Best Employers for 2013

Toronto, ON — December 5, 2012 — CST Consultants, one of Canada’s largest Registered Education Savings Plan providers has been ranked one of Canada’s 50 Best Small and Medium Sized Employers by PROFIT Magazine. Study results are posted at www.profitguide.com.

The study, now in its 8th year is published by PROFIT Magazine, Canada’s best read magazine for entrepreneurs and senior managers of small and medium sized businesses.

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RESP provider C.S.T. Consultants Inc. Recognized as a Best Employer in the GTA

Toronto, ON — November 29, 2012 — CST Consultants Inc. (CST), one of Canada’s premier Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) providers has been named one of the Best Employers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) for 2013. This is the third year in a row that CST Consultants has made the list, as featured in the Toronto Star.

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CST Learning Project Winner - Stepstones for Youth

2015 second prize winner of the CST Inspired Minds Learning Project

Dollars for scholars - Winnipeg Free Press

CST Consultants has partnered with Career Trek to help make post-secondary education more accessible for low-income families.

The cost of minor hockey in Canada - FAN 590

Peter Lewis chats with the FAN 590 about the skyrocketing price tag associated with hockey and what parents can do about it.

Parents swim in debt to pay for hockey, education: study - Toronto Star

The results from our second annual Beyond the Blue Line survey paint a concerning picture: parents are still going into debt to keep their kids in hockey. Read what our very own Peter Lewis has to say on the topic.

Bringing archaeology alive in Saskatchewan - Global Saskatoon

A travelling archaeology class in Saskatchewan is vying for one of our grants in the CST Inspired Minds Project - read about the great work they're doing!

5 reasons why not-for-profits should keep calm and carry on - Huffington Post

Our very own Martha Turner shares her insights with the Huffington Post on why not-for-profits should keep forging on with their great ideas.

Students Thank Parents for Saving for Their Education in Tearjerker Videos - #thanks4giving

This Thanksgiving, we teamed up with two students to surprise their parents and thank them for saving up for their education. Check out their reactions in this post on BuzzFeed- we guarantee you'll start tearing up!

How to set your kids up for academic success - Canadian Living

We've partnered with Canadian Living to create some great content for parents. From saving for your child's future to the ins and outs of RESPs, it's all available here! Check it out.

Skip the back-to-school gadgets and invest in your kid's future - Huffington Post

Our RESP expert shares his tips on how to start saving for your child's future this September.

Parents saving more, spending less for school - Moose Jaw Times Herald

The Moose Jaw Herald Times talks to our VP Peter Lewis about parents' spending and saving habits.

Back-to-school spending tempered by rising cost of university: survey - YAHOO! Finance

We took a look at Canadians' spending habits during the back-to-school season and the results may surprise you.

What job will you have in the future? - Globe and Mail

The Globe and Mail's Jared Lindzon profiles our Inspired Minds initiative and chats with some of our experts.

Choir master wants to give more children a voice - The Montreal Gazette

Andrew Gray, director of the Montreal Children's Choir, talks to the Montreal Gazette about how he plans to use the funds won in the CST Insprid Minds Learning Project.

Innovative literacy program pays off for Sandowne school - The Campbell River Mirror

The Campbell River Mirror profiles one of our $5,000 winners in the CST Inspired Minds Learning Project.

$20K grant to help growing LGBTQ summer camp - Metro News Ottawa

Metro Ottawa highlights how Camp Ten Oaks is expanding thanks to funding from the CST Inspired Minds Learning Project.

Inspired Minds shells out $5K for Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre - The Peterborough Examiner

One of the winners of our Inspired Minds Learning Project competition was profiled in the Peterborough Examiner.

10 jobs that you could have by 2030 - Fast Company

Fast Company profiles 10 of the jobs from our Careers 2030 website.

Preventing bullying at its roots - The Moose Jaw Times Herald

The Roots of Empathy program is one of the ideas vying for funding from the CST Inspired Minds Learning Project.

Lincoln libraries looking to get technical - Niagara This Week

The Lincoln public library wants to upgrade its technology, but it needs the community to rally behind the cause.

Online push to win funding - Chatham Daily News

One of the entries in the CST Inspired Minds Learning Project competition is pushing for public votes.

Canadian Living and Canadian Scholarship Trust strike media deal - Media in Canada

Details about our partnership with Canadian Living were featured on Media in Canada's website.

Robot Counsellor, Garbage Designer are jobs of the future - NBC News

News of Careers 2030 has spread south of the border! NBC News mentions some of our job descriptions and predictions for the future.

Calling all applicants: Get your resumes primed for these jobs of the future - Golden Girl Finance

Learn about the jobs you might be applying for in 10-15 years with this recap of the Inspired Minds project on Golden Girl Finance.

Generation Next – Canadian Living

We’re thrilled to share Canadian Living’s one-page feature on the CST Inspired Minds program from their June issue. Click on the image below to view the full article, and click here to view an adapted version of the online piece.

Jobs of the future? - 24 Hours Toronto & Vancouver / The Toronto Sun

24 Hours and the Toronto Sun have both published a one-piece spread on the Inspired Minds Careers 2030 program. To view the print coverage, you can click on the image below.

Garbage designer, robot counsellor, nostalgist are among 9 futuristic jobs Canadians could see by 2030 - The Financial Post

The Financial Post also picked up Business Insider's piece about CST's Careers 2030 project.