Wal-Mart Foundation to focus on first-generation college students

BENTONVILLE, Ark. The Wal-Mart Foundation announced that it is making support for first-generation college students a top priority for its higher education-focused philanthropy. The announcement was made by Wal-Mart Foundation President Margaret McKenna during a speech at a meeting of the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) in New York.

As part of her speech, McKenna announced a $4.2 million grant to the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP), which will support programs to increase first-generation student success at minority-serving institutions, including historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and tribal colleges and universities.

"At Wal-Mart, we understand that education is critical to the lives and well-being of all Americans. We are pleased to focus much of our recent giving on supporting the success of first-generation college students," said McKenna. "These grants will serve to increase access to young people to get the quality education they need to be successful today and become the leaders we need in the future," added McKenna.