News Releases

NEW YORK, NEW YORK--(Marketwire - March 4, 2013) - BMO Capital Markets, the investment & corporate banking arm of BMO Financial Group (TSX:BMO)(NYSE:BMO), celebrated the 40^th anniversary of the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) and its partnership with the Foundation through BMO's Equity Through Education program since 2005.

"When we started Equity Through Education, our focus was on providing scholarships and educational opportunities for students who needed and deserved the support. I'm proud to say that the program has been a tremendous success," said Tom Milroy, CEO of BMO Capital Markets. "The bright, motivated individuals joining us today are outstanding examples of what can be accomplished," said Mr. Milroy, who was in New York to host the JRF / BMO scholars before the Foundation's annual gala dinner.

"BMO Capital Markets has been a stalwart supporter of the Foundation for the past eight years," said Della Britton Baeza, President and CEO of the Jackie Robinson Foundation. "We are delighted that through BMO's highly successful Equity Through Education program, they share in our mission of developing the leadership potential of the many young people we serve."

To date, BMO Capital Markets has provided scholarships to the following JRF/BMO recipients through the Equity Through Education program:

• Samuel Arijeloye, Buffalo College, Class of 2015
• Laura Molina, Boston College, Class of 2015
• Brandon Gunter, Dartmouth College, Class of 2014
• Thomas Stovall, University of Missouri, Class of 2014
• Elan Jones, Trinity College, Class of 2012
• Laura Riley, Emory University, Class of 2012
• Shayla Thomas, Spelman College, Class of 2012
• William "Chris" Alston, Rutgers University, Class of 2011
• KeLea Randall, Spelman College, Class of 2011
• Karmyn Wedlow, University of Michigan, Class of 2010

Over the past eight years, BMO Capital Markets has provided JRF with more than $1 million in funding which enables the Foundation to provide four-year college scholarships to students who demonstrate academic distinction, leadership capacity and financial need. In addition, JRF provides a comprehensive set of support services including extensive mentoring, career guidance and practical life skills.

About The Jackie Robinson Foundation

The Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) is a public, not-for-profit, national organization founded in 1973 as a vehicle to perpetuate the memory of Jackie Robinson and his heroic achievements. It provides college and graduate school scholarships as well as leadership development opportunities for students of color with strong capabilities but limited financial resources. The Foundation is distinctive for the depth of its mentoring program, which results in a nearly 100% graduation rate among its student constituents. The Foundation also strives to ensure that Jackie Robinson's commitment to social justice will be carried forth in the lives of these young people as they assume leadership roles throughout society.

About BMO Capital Markets Equity Through Education Program

Equity Through Education is a charitable initiative aimed at creating a more diverse workplace by offering support to help people realize their educational ambitions by giving them opportunities they might not otherwise have. On one day each year all North American institutional equity trading commissions are donated to organizations dedicated to the education of bright and deserving individuals. To date, Equity Through Education has raised C$12.3 million (US$11.7 million). This translates into assistance to over 2,500 students through scholarships, bursaries and job search strategy forums.