Mercedes-Benz USA Awards $460,000 in Scholarships
MONTVALE, N.J. — Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) will award over $460,000 this month to college-bound students or those attending vocational school who are winners of the DRIVE YOUR FUTURE: The Mercedes-Benz USA Scholarship Program.
MONTVALE, N.J. — Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) will award over $460,000 this month to college-bound students or those attending vocational school who are winners of the DRIVE YOUR FUTURE: The Mercedes-Benz USA Scholarship Program.
Two hundred and thirty students across the United States who are the first in their families to attend college will receive a $2,000 scholarship to help off-set tuition and school expenses. Developed by MBUSA, DRIVE YOUR FUTURE is a new initiative designed to respond to a critical nationwide need for scholarships to help students pay for increasing college tuition.
MBUSA partnered with Scholarship America, the nation's largest sector scholarship and educational support organization, to administer the program.
"Mercedes-Benz owners are among the most successful in the world and our workforce and dealer body are among the most capable in the industry," said Paul Halata, president and chief executive officer of MBUSA. "What this gives us is an opportunity, and a responsibility, to help others get to the starting line — so that they too can achieve success."
Three winners from each state will receive scholarships in addition to students from various youth organizations, such as Automotive High School, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs, FIRST, Mal Washington Foundation, Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, Virtual Enterprises and Young Women's Leadership School.
A total of 2,054 graduating seniors nationwide applied for scholarships this year and were evaluated based on academic achievement, financial need, leadership and participation in school and community activities. Honors, work experience, goals and aspirations as well as unusual personal or family circumstances were considered.
Through the support of Mercedes-Benz dealers across the country and funds raised during the Mercedes-Benz regional golf championships, the DRIVE YOUR FUTURE fund was increased to allow for more scholarships nationwide.
Funds for next year's program are also being raised during the LoveMercedes Tour; a 12-city premier marketing initiative that invites current and potential Mercedes-Benz owners to test drive 2005 models. For every mile driven during the event, MBUSA will donate $1 to the 2005 DRIVE YOUR FUTURE fund for students who reside in LoveMercedes Tour markets.
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