BENTONVILLE, AR, Oct. 31, 2007 – The Wal-Mart Foundation announced today that the application period for the Sam Walton Community Scholarships begins Nov. 1 in all U.S.-based Wal-Mart stores, Sam’s Clubs and Wal-Mart Neighborhood Markets. More than 7,000 scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors, who will receive a one-time scholarship of $1,000 to help pay for expenses at the accredited college or university of their choice. Winners will be recognized in April. The Wal-Mart Foundation awards more than $6 million annually to graduating high school seniors throughout the country.
For 27 years, the Sam Walton Community Scholarship program has provided assistance to students trying to find a way to pay for college. Since its inception, the program has awarded more than $64 million to approximately 64,000 students. To be eligible for consideration, a student must be a graduating high school senor, a permanent legal resident of the U.S. and have a minimum grade point average of 2.5. The Scholarship Program Administrators (SPA) will select winners based on financial need, academic record, and school and community involvement.
Qualified students can obtain applications for the Sam Walton Community Scholarships at any Wal-Mart store, Neighborhood Market or Sam’s Club. Applications and additional information are also available online at www.walmartfoundation.org. The deadline for submitting applications is Jan. 14.
The Wal-Mart Foundation also offers two additional scholarship programs for the benefit of its associates and their dependents. The Associate Scholarship program provides assistance to graduating high school seniors who are currently employed at Wal-Mart, and Higher Reach scholarships help associates who have already graduated to begin, continue or complete their higher education.
Wal-Mart is one of the largest corporate supporters of education in the U.S., having provided more than $57 million last year to a host of education initiatives, including scholarship assistance, literacy programs, teacher recognition awards and general community educational programs. The company has awarded more than $83 million in scholarships alone since 1981. In addition, Wal-Mart is also a strong supporter of many national scholarship programs such as the United Negro College Fund, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, the National Indian Education Association and the National Urban League.
About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Every week, millions of customers visit Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam’s Club locations across America or log on to its online store at www.walmart.com. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $270 million to local communities in the United States. To learn more, visit www.walmartfacts.com, www.walmartstores.com, or www.walmartfoundation.org.
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