Cumberland Farms Awards Believe and Achieve Scholarships to Promising Young Adults from 11 States

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., Aug. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cumberland Farms announced today that 130 talented high school seniors from 11 states have been awarded Believe and Achieve Scholarships to help them attend college in the fall of 2013.  Cumberland Farms' popular scholarship program began seven years ago and has already provided over 900 college-bound young adults with critical financial assistance to help them realize their dreams of achieving a college education.

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As part of the company's commitment to nurturing the future of young people, the program provides $1,000 scholarships to eligible graduating high school seniors across its service area.  This year Cumberland Farms is awarding $130,000 in Believe and Achieve Scholarships to 27 students in Massachusetts, 23 in Florida, 20 in New York, 16 in Pennsylvania, 13 in New Jersey, 11 in Connecticut, 8 in Maine, 4 each in New Hampshire and Rhode Island, 3 in Vermont and 1 in Delaware. 

"By awarding me a Believe and Achieve Scholarship, Cumberland Farms has lightened my financial burden, which will allow me to focus more on the most important aspect of school -- learning," said 2013 scholarship recipient Jan Hardinger of Bedford, Pennsylvania, who is planning on attending Allegany College of Maryland this fall.  "Cumberland Farms' generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community. I hope one day I will be able to help other students achieve their goals just as they have helped me."

Thanks to the assistance provided by these scholarships, students will be attending a wide cross-section of institutions this fall, including Harvard, Yale, Cornell, Johns Hopkins, Purdue, University of Massachusetts, Clemson, University of Michigan, Princeton, University of Florida, University of Southern California, New York University, University of Miami and more.

"We are very proud of the difference we are making through our Believe and Achieve Scholarship Program," said Ari Haseotes, Group Chief Operating Officer for The Cumberland Gulf Group of Companies. "We are passionate about helping young adults succeed, and this program is a great way for us to provide the financial support that bright and ambitious students need.  Over the past seven years we have helped over 900 students from the communities we serve attend college, and gain the skills and knowledge they need to excel in the future."

The program is open to students entering a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited college, university or vocational-technical school in the fall of 2013 who live within 30 miles of any Cumberland Farms store. Scholarships were awarded based on a student's academic performance, as well as the student's financial need.  Winners were notified over the past two weeks.  The application process for next year's scholarship program will open in October, 2013.

Since formalizing its Corporate Giving Program seven years ago, Cumberland Farms has donated millions of dollars in cash and products to causes that directly benefit thousands of young people through scholarships, direct-to-school programs, youth sports, local fundraising and more.

About Cumberland Farms

Cumberland Farms makes life easier for busy people every day. Its network of convenience stores across 11 states reflects the values of three generations of providing customers with value, convenience and unparalleled service - whether you're buying a cold Chill Zone drink, a hot or iced cup of Farmhouse Blend Coffee, or filling the gas tank. Family owned for over 70 years, Cumberland Farms also has a long heritage of giving back to the communities where it operates. For more information about a Cumberland Farms near you, please visit us at www.CumberlandFarms.com.

Media Contact:  For more information contact Derek Beckwith or Christine Blain at Warner Communications 978-526-1960 or [email protected] or [email protected].

SOURCE Cumberland Farms