Clorox Partners With the Hispanic Scholarship Fund to Recognize Moms' Influence on Their Children's Education

USA - English

• Latin America - español

OAKLAND, Calif., Oct. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of mothers and their role in their children's academic success, the makers of Clorox® bleach, in partnership with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF), have launched the Gracias Mama scholarship. Beginning Oct. 8, 2011 through Jan. 17, 2012, high school seniors planning to attend an accredited U.S. university in the 2012-2013 school year are encouraged to apply for one of five $12,000 scholarships. The program will also feature special "Take a Load Off" events with Spanish singer Shaila Durcal.

The scholarship program, which is funded by the Clorox® bleach team, aims to honor moms and their tireless efforts to offer their children the most important gift of all, an education. In partnership with HSF, the Gracias Mama scholarship uniquely requires applicants write a 500-word essay detailing the role their mother or mother-figure has played in their education. Five winning students will each receive one $12,000 scholarship, as well as a $500 spa day certificate for their mother or mother figure.

"We're proud to launch the Gracias Mama scholarship with HSF," said Colleen Schweichler, Marketing Manager - Clorox Laundry Division. "It's important for Clorox to honor the legacy that moms create with their children and celebrate that behind every child's achievement, be it academic or otherwise, there is a mother who encouraged them along the way."

More About the Gracias Mama Scholarship

Interested high school students who are currently enrolled as seniors for the 2011-12 school year can submit an application and essay detailing the role of their mom or mother figure in their academic aspirations at www.hsf.net.  After the registration phase, 15 finalists will be chosen based on the Hispanic Scholarship Fund selection criteria and the quality of the essay. Finalists will receive a camera to create a 90-second video that illustrates how their mother or mother-figure has encouraged them to pursue a higher education. The videos will be posted on Clorox Latino's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cloroxlatino and throughout the month of April, Facebook members can support their favorite finalists by liking and sharing the videos with family and friends. The five winners will be announced on www.hsf.net around Mother's Day.

"Take a Load Off" Events

To celebrate the launch of the Gracias Mama program, the Clorox team will also host two "Take a Load Off" events in October at local laundry mats in Miami and Los Angeles. Families are invited to take the day off from their laundry routines and enjoy music, entertainment and food.  As a special gift for the attendees, Spanish singer, Shaila Durcal, daughter of world-famous Spanish singer, Rocio Durcal, will perform a live concert, while the Clorox team will wash and dry people's clothes for free.

"I am very happy to be part of this program because it recognizes all those moms who encourage their children to make education a priority in order to help them succeed in life," Shaila Durcal said. "Since I was a child, I dreamed of being an artist, and my mother always encouraged me to follow my dreams, but also taught me the importance of going to school and getting an education."

For more information on the Gracias Mama scholarship program and the "Take a Load Off" events, visit www.facebook.com/cloroxlatino.

The Clorox Company

The Clorox Company is a leading manufacturer and marketer of consumer products with 8,100 employees and fiscal year 2011 revenues of $5.2 billion. Clorox markets some of consumers' most trusted and recognized brand names, including its namesake bleach and cleaning products, Green Works® naturally derived home care products, Pine-Sol® cleaners, Poett® home care products, Fresh Step® cat litter, Kingsford® charcoal, Hidden Valley® and K C Masterpiece® dressings and sauces, Brita® water-filtration products, Glad® bags, wraps and containers, and Burt's Bees® natural personal care products. Nearly 90 percent of Clorox Company brands hold the No. 1 or No. 2 market share positions in their categories. The company's products are manufactured in more than two dozen countries and sold in more than 100 countries. Clorox is committed to making a positive difference in the communities where its employees work and live. Founded in 1980, The Clorox Company Foundation has awarded cash grants totaling more than $84 million to nonprofit organizations, schools and colleges. In fiscal year 2011 alone, the foundation awarded $4 million in cash grants, and Clorox made product donations valued at $13 million. For more information about Clorox, visit www.TheCloroxCompany.com.

About the Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Founded in 1975, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund believes that the country prospers when all Americans have access to the opportunities a college education can afford.  As the nation's leading Hispanic higher education fund, HSF works to address the barriers that keep many Latinos from earning a college degree. HSF has awarded over $330 million in scholarships over the past 36 years and has supported a broad range of outreach and education programs to help students and their families navigate collegiate life, from gaining admission and securing financial aid to finding employment after graduation.  HSF envisions a future where every Latino household will have at least one college graduate, creating an enduring impact on the college outlook of Latino families nationwide, and strengthening the American economy for generations to come. For more information about the Hispanic Scholarship Fund please visit: www.HSF.net

SOURCE The Clorox Company