Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Celebrates 50th Anniversary in Washington, D.C., Receives $575,000 to honor Marine Corps Families

WASHINGTON, May 31, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On June 2, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, the nation's oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military families, will celebrate the organization's 50th anniversary and recognize those who have created a support network for our country's Marine Corps families at the annual Washington D.C. Celebratory Gala. Organization leadership will announce $575,000 in new funding that will help send the children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen to college. 

The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation honors the selfless service of Marines by educating their children, with particular attention given to those whose parent has been killed or wounded in combat, or who have demonstrated financial need.  Since 1962, over $67 million has been awarded in 27,000 scholarship awards. The Scholarship Foundation provides critical support to Marine families as the economy continues to recover and the ever-increasing costs of higher education significantly outpace the average enlisted Marine salary. 

"Our mission is to give back to those who sacrifice so much for our freedom," said Margaret B. Davis, President and CEO of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. "With support from individuals, corporate, and civic leaders across the country, we are honoring Marines by educating their children and, in turn, contributing to America's global competitiveness by investing in the next generation of American leaders."

The Scholarship Foundation has a notable track record of accomplishments: 91 percent of its scholarship recipients attend 4-year institutions and approximately 79 percent of these students graduate at a time when the nationwide rate is only 31 percent. Students study in a variety of fields, however an impressive 38 percent of recipients are majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and bring crucial skillsets into the workforce.

"When you consider that our recipients are raised with the ethos and values of the Marine Corps, along with their academic interests, the Scholarship Foundation offers tangible opportunities for meaningful investments in America's workforce development," noted Davis.

Sodexo, Inc., has generously supported the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, establishing a new scholarship fund for students studying culinary arts, hospitality services, and business administration. Sodexo will award five, $5,000 need-based scholarships to Marine dependents each year, totaling $100,000 in scholarships over the next four years.

"Our company is deeply committed to supporting military families and hiring those who have served," said David Scanlan, President, Sodexo Government. "The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation program is a natural progression in Sodexo's commitment to improve the quality of daily life for our military and their families."

Over 400 people will attend this year's gala, including members of Congress, Washington dignitaries, corporate and individual donors and senior leadership of the Marine Corps:

• General James F. Amos, the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, will attend the gala as this year's military Guest of Honor.
• Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA) will receive the Semper Fidelis Award, presented to an individual who has demonstrated reoccurring commitment to an effort which contributes to the betterment of society.
• Steve Ballmer, Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Corporation, will accept the Globe and Anchor Award on behalf of Microsoft.  This award is presented to an individual or organization that has built a foundation of service that has had an impact around the globe. 

The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation will pay tribute to inspiring scholarship recipients who show career promise. Thomas Jefferson III is one such student and will speak at this year's gala. Jefferson will participate in the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Course this summer before heading into his junior year at Wesley College this fall.

About the Foundation: Celebrating its 50th year, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is the nation's oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to U.S. military families. Since inception, the Foundation has provided more than 27,000 scholarships valued at over $67 million to Marine Corps sons and daughters whose parents have been killed or wounded in combat or have demonstrated financial need. The Scholarship Foundation has a four-star Charity Navigator rating and is proud to have been named by Independent Charities of America as 'Best in America' for demonstrating "the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost effectiveness."  For more information on the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation please visit http://www.mcsf.org/.

Contact:
Eugenia R. Gardner, Director, Communications & Investor Relations
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
(719) 433-8101
[email protected]

SOURCE Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation