$8M in scholarships awarded by Wal-Mart

BENTONVILLE, Ark. Wal-Mart announced that it will award more than $8 million in scholarships through three programs that the Wal-Mart Foundation provides annually.

Through the Sam Walton Community Scholarships program, each Wal-Mart store and Sam's Club will give two $1,000 scholarships two people in the community based on financial need, academic record, community involvement and work experience.

Scholarships of $2,000 each are awarded to graduating high school seniors who work for Wal-Mart or are dependents of a Wal-Mart associate, and have been employed by Wal-Mart for at least six months.

Higher REACH scholarships are given to associates who have been out of high school for at least one year and employed by the company for at least six months. The scholarships go as high as $2,000 per individual and go toward paying for college classes.

“We are proud to help deserving students in communities where our stores and clubs are located,” said Margaret McKenna, president of the Wal-Mart Foundation. “These scholarship programs are one way that we can help our associates, their children and the general community to live better lives by getting the best education that they can.”