Walmart Continues Support of American Indian College Fund with $100,000 Gift

DENVER, March 2, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For more than a decade, Walmart has shown their support of American Indian access to higher education with donations to the American Indian College Fund. Walmart has continued this support with a gift of $100,000 to continue the Walmart Tribal College Scholarship Program. This program is providing 33 greatly needed scholarships for the spring 2011 semester, supporting one student at each of the nation's 33 tribal colleges and universities.

"Walmart is proud to once again support the American Indian College Fund and its efforts to broaden educational opportunities for Native students attending tribal colleges and universities," said R. Virginia Smith, Senior Manager, Walmart Corporate Affairs. "Tribal colleges and universities offer Native students access to knowledge, skills, and cultural values which enhance their communities and our country as a whole.  The Walmart Foundation supports organizations with programs that align with our mission to create opportunities so people can live better. We appreciate and share in the American Indian College Fund's belief and commitment that education is critical to the well-being of all."

"It is an honor to continue our partnership with such a renowned and generous company," said Richard B. Williams, President and CEO of the American Indian College Fund. "Walmart's vital support has helped Native students pursue their dreams of obtaining a college education, and thus improving the quality of life for themselves, their families, and their communities."

About Philanthropy at Walmart 

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. The Walmart Foundation funds initiatives focused on education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability and health and wellness. From Feb. 1, 2009 through Jan. 31, 2010, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $512 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally, $467 million of which was donated in the U.S. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

About the American Indian College Fund

With its credo "Educating the Mind and Spirit," the American Indian College Fund is the nation's largest private provider of scholarships for American Indian students, providing an average of 6,000 scholarships annually for students seeking to better their lives and communities through education and support to the nation's 33 accredited tribal colleges and universities. For more information about the American Indian College Fund, please visit www.collegefund.org.

SOURCE American Indian College Fund