Hallmark Mahogany Partners with Jill Scott's Blues Babe Foundation to Launch National Scholarship

Scholarships to be awarded to two college students pursuing a career in the writing arts

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Jun 24, 2015, 09:11 ET

KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Hallmark's Mahogany brand today announced a partnership with Blues Babe, a registered 501(c)3 foundation spearheaded by Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Jill Scott. Through this partnership, Mahogany and the Blues Babe Foundation have established a national, merit-based scholarship for college students interested in pursuing a career in the writing arts. This collaboration unites Mahogany's commitment to a genuine, progressive and optimistic reflection of African-American culture with the Blues Babe Foundation's extensive work in initiatives supporting minority students pursuing a college education.

"To be able to give inner-city students the opportunity to receive a scholarship and pursue a career in writing is phenomenal," said Ms. Scott. "My love and passion for writing is reflected in my music and my poetry and I am sincerely grateful that Mahogany decided to partner with the Blues Babe Foundation to help nurture young creative minds."

Currently enrolled college students interested in applying for the scholarship may visit https://www.scholarsapply.org/mahogany/ to submit qualifying information, a writing sample and an essay for consideration. Two winning applicants (as selected by representatives from Mahogany and the Blues Babe Foundation) will each receive a $10,000 scholarship. Both winners also will be invited to Hallmark's headquarters in Kansas City, Mo. for an all-expenses paid workshop with Mahogany's team of writers during the summer of 2016. This personalized workshop will help students hone their craft over a three-day period and fully immerse them in the day-to-day experience of a Mahogany writer.

Mahogany and the Blues Babe Foundation also will team up to promote the importance of education and creative writing skills during sessions at this year's Camp Jill Scott, an annual summer enrichment camp for underserved middle school students in the North Philadelphia area. Mahogany writers will work directly with the campers, serving as positive role models and inspiring them to explore their creative writing abilities through guided activities.

"Our greeting cards' messages are rooted in inspiration, positivity and cultural connection," said Tara Frank, Vice President – Multicultural Strategy, Hallmark Cards. "This partnership provides an avenue for us to put that message into action – nationally and locally – and we're excited to partner with Ms. Scott's Blues Babe Foundation to do so. We hope that our shared vision leads to rewarding and enriching opportunities for college-bound students."

Applications for the Mahogany & Blues Babe Foundation Scholarship will be accepted through October 30, 2015. For more information and official rules, visit https://www.scholarsapply.org/mahogany/.

Mahogany is a personal expression brand that provides an authentic and engaging experience for African-Americans. The card line exists to enhance emotional connections between family, friends and the community by capturing what's most beloved and valued about Black culture. Connect with Mahogany on Hallmark.com, Facebook and Twitter.

About Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Hallmark makes the world a more caring place by helping people express what's in their hearts and connect in emotional ways with others. In the U.S., innovative Hallmark greeting cards and gifts are sold through leading mass retailers, the network of Hallmark Gold Crown^® specialty stores and online. Worldwide, Hallmark offers products in more than 30 languages available in 100 countries. Millions of households enjoy family friendly television programming offered by cable's top-rated Hallmark Channel and fast-growing Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Hallmark's Crayola subsidiary inspires artistic creativity in children through Crayola^® crayons and markers as well as other innovative art tools, crafting activities and creative toys. Privately held Hallmark is based in Kansas City, Mo., and continues to be led by members of the founding Hall family. Visit http://corporate.hallmark.com for more details. Connect at Hallmark.com, and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

About the Blues Babe Foundation
The Blues Babe Foundation is committed to assisting students in underserved communities by providing programs that promote leadership and academic excellence. The brainchild of Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter and poet Jill Scott, the Blues Babe Foundation was formed for the purpose of nurturing college-bound students of color, artistically and academically. The foundation's scholarship program offers financial support and mentoring for students that have shown the aptitude and commitment to their education, but whose families may not have the resources to ensure completion of their undergraduate degrees. In addition to its support of young people through their public schools, the Foundation also fulfills its mission by including support of community centers and community-focused organizations.

http://newsroom.hallmark.com/Product/Mahogany
http://www.bluesbabefoundation.org

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SOURCE Hallmark Cards, Inc.