Wal-Mart awards scholarships to college-bound students

BENTONVILLE, Ark. Wal-Mart Foundation has stepped in to help students battle rising college tuition, announcing that it will award more than $8 million in academic scholarships to help ease financial concerns for college-bound students. The 2,695 winners of the 2009 Sam Walton Community Scholarship will receive $3,000 to use toward tuition, fees, books, and on-campus room and board for the 2009 to 2010 academic year.

“We know that college tuition costs are rising, scholarship opportunities are decreasing and Wal-Mart’s commitment to education is more important than ever,” said Margaret McKenna, president of the Wal-Mart Foundation. “In these tough economic times, every dollar counts when it comes to assuring that parents can afford to send their children to college. By providing deserving students with financial support from the Wal-Mart Foundation, we are continuing to do our part to help assure that students can access the education they need for a better life.”

The recipients of the 2009 Sam Walton Community Scholarship are students across the country who have excellent academic scores, have shown financial need and are involved in their communities. This year’s scholarship recipients are from all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.