National Bank of Canada (TSX:NA) Tuesday announced this year’s winners of its Women in Financial Markets Scholarship, now in its fifth edition.

At a reception to honour the recipients, Ricardo Pascoe, executive vice president – financial markets, joined by members of the Financial Markets Management Committee, awarded a total of $20,000 to two students who have demonstrated a strong interest in pursuing a career in the financial markets and are currently enrolled in a post graduate program at a Canadian university.

The winners of this year’s bursaries are: Brigitte Crockford, who is currently enrolled in the Master of Business Administration program at McGill University; and Stéphanie Hamel, who will be undertaking a Master in Finance at Université Laval.

“We are impressed by the caliber of talented candidates from across Canada who apply year after year for participation in our Scholarship Program”, said Pascoe, in a release. “This program supports the development of bright and ambitious women and demonstrates National Bank’s dedication to promote strong women leaders in the Canadian capital markets.”

National Bank’s program derives its distinctiveness not only from the scholarship it offers, but also from its internship and mentorship opportunities that help candidates familiarize themselves with the financial markets division at a major financial institution.

The recipients will receive senior level mentorship from Susan Monteith, executive vice president and managing director, client strategy and people development.

One of National Bank’s goals with this initiative is to increase the representation of women throughout its financial markets division and, in particular, the number of women in senior positions.