Mercedes-Benz invites local students to apply for scholarships

Mercedes-Benz, a leader in the automotive industry, is supporting the pioneering spirit of local students who will be the first from their family to attend a college or vocational school by inviting them to apply for scholarships through Drive Your Future: The Mercedes-Benz USA Scholarship Program. "Our goal with Drive Your Future is not only to help ease the financial burden of college for these students, but also to let them know that they have the support and encouragement of a lot of people behind them as they work toward their goals," said Donna Boland, manager of communications for Mercedes-Benz USA.

"This initiative has nationwide support through our dealer network and their efforts have enabled us to double the number of scholarship awards for 2005, reaching students in every state."

Local support of Drive Your Future includes the following Mercedes-Benz dealerships:

•David Peterson, Calabasas Motorcars, Inc. in Calabasas; reach him at (818) 591-2377, genmgr_ calabasas@mbretailer.com.

•John Anderson, Silver Star A. G. Ltd. in Thousand Oaks; reach him at (805)371-5400, genmgr_ thousandoaks @mbretailer.com.

As a result of support from MBUSA and its dealers nationwide, a total of $1 million is committed for the scholarship program this year. Five hundred students from across the country will receive a one-time, $2,000 scholarship, including an average of six from California.

The awards will be based on financial need and exceptional achievement in the areas of academic performance, leadership and community activities.

"For first generation college-bound students, particularly those from underserved communities, the availability of financial assistance can be a deciding factor in whether or not to continue their education," said Marilyn Rundell, vice-president of Scholarship America. "Scholarships, like Drive Your Future, put a postsecondary education within reach."

Students may visit www. mbusa.com/drivefuture to learn more about the program and access application materials through Thurs., March 31. Scholarship winners will be announced in May.

Scholarship winners will be asked to serve as "Ambassadors" of philanthropy on behalf of Mercedes-Benz USA by giving back to their communities through activities such as mentoring or tutoring younger students.

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