Ford Targets Historically Black Colleges and Universities for Unique Community Challenge Competition

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- 

• Ford Motor Company and Ford Motor Company Fund have joined forces with the "Tom Joyner Morning Show" and "Rickey Smiley Morning Show" to launch the Ford Community Challenge Competition for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)
• HBCU students are encouraged to submit proposals centered around the theme of "Building Sustainable Communities" online by Nov. 10
• A total of $100,000 will be awarded in scholarships and grants to recognize students and support unique student-led projects

Ford Motor Company and Ford Motor Company Fund are reaching out to students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities for the first Ford HBCU Community Challenge Competition. Up to $75,000 in scholarships, university and community grants will be awarded for the first-place student team and its project.  

The Ford HBCU Community Challenge is an extension of one of the Ford Fund's signature educational programs, The Ford College Community Challenge. The new program, conducted in partnership with the "Tom Joyner" and "Rickey Smiley Morning Shows," encourages HBCU students to design community projects that address pressing local needs. The program's theme is "Building Sustainable Communities."

Students are encouraged to creatively address a tangible, unmet community need that touches at least one of these four areas: Mobility, Alternative Energy, Sustainability/Water and Systematic Approaches to Meeting Community Needs. Scholarships will be awarded to the student team, and community grants will be awarded to nonprofits to support implementation of the winning projects.

The four teams with the best ideas will be flown to Ford World Headquarters in December to present their ideas for final judging.

"We are thrilled to be able to continue in our efforts to support students attending HBCUs with the launch of this program," said Shawn Thompson, manager, Ford Multicultural Marketing. "This program will allow students to make a difference in their education, schools and ultimately their communities."

Interested students can learn more about and enter the competition by visiting www.blackamericaweb.com/hbcuchallenge  or www.rickeysmileymorningshow.com/hbcuchallenge between now and Nov. 10.

"Ford Fund is committed to empowering future leaders through community programs," said Pamela Alexander, director Community Development, Ford Motor Company Fund.  "We are truly excited to partner with the Tom Joyner and Ricky Smiley morning shows to bring this new and innovative initiative to the HBCU community. We are eagerly looking forward to receiving and reviewing the ideas this fall. "

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 177,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

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About Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services
Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services works with community partners to advance driving safety, education and community life. The Ford Motor Company Fund has operated for more than 60 years with ongoing funding from Ford Motor Company. Ford Driving Skills for Life teaches new drivers through a variety of hands-on and interactive methods. Innovation in education is encouraged through programs that enhance high school learning and provide college scholarships and university grants. Through the Ford Volunteer Corps, more than 25,000 Ford employees and retirees each year work on projects that better their communities in 30 countries. For more information, visit http://community.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company