Buick Achievers Awards $4.2 Million in Scholarships

DETROIT, Aug. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program, funded by the General Motors Foundation, today announced scholarships totaling approximately $4.2 million to 1,100 recipients pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, also known as STEM, information technology and other fields important to the automotive industry.

According to U.S. News & World Report, STEM jobs are projected to grow by 17 percent by 2018. With the future of manufacturing and many other industries driven by new technologies, the Buick Achievers Scholarship Program strives to inspire young people to pursue STEM careers applicable to the automotive industry.

"Being selected as a national Buick Achievers Scholarship recipient will provide me with significant resources critical to earning a mechanical engineering degree," said Victoria Lee, 2013 Buick Achievers recipient and student at Brown University. "I encourage any student interested in studying STEM-related fields to consider applying for this program."

Buick Achievers is one of the largest scholarship programs in the country and places a strong focus on recognizing women, minorities and students known for excelling in the classroom and giving back to their communities. Special consideration is intended to assist students who are first-generation college students, military veterans and military dependents.

Among the 1,100 students being recognized this year, more than 521 recipients are the first in their families to pursue a secondary education, 45 have served in the United States Armed Forces, and 48 come from military families. Additionally, 819 are pursuing STEM-related majors, with degree programs including mechanical engineering topping the list.

"Through the Buick Achievers Scholarship Program, the GM Foundation is able to make a significant investment in the next generation of our country's leaders and innovators," said GM Foundation President Vivian Pickard. "We have witnessed firsthand how this scholarship is changing lives by making education more accessible and affordable."

With the addition of this year's scholarships, Buick Achievers has awarded nearly $16.5 million to about 3,300 students since the program's inception in 2011. The program provides 100 students with up to $25,000 renewable for four years, and one additional year for those entering a qualified, five-year engineering program. Additionally, 1,000 students receive up to $2,000 for academic expenses.

"The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program, with the GM Foundation, is modeling the way with multi-year renewable awards that not only help students get to school, they also help them get through school," said Greg Dehn, general manager and senior vice president, Scholarship America.

General Motors and the GM Foundation have a long history of investing in education initiatives. Since 2007, the GM Foundation has invested more than $42 million in educational programs and institutions to help nurture tomorrow's innovators and leaders. In addition to Buick Achievers, the GM Foundation provides approximately $3 million to key institutions and professional organizations through its annual University Grants program to advance STEM curricula.

For more information about the Buick Achievers Scholarship Program, to view the complete list of 2013 recipients, or to register for an e-mail notification when the next application window opens, please visit www.buickachievers.com. 

About the General Motors Foundation
Since its inception in 1976, the GM Foundation has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to American charities, educational organizations and to disaster relief efforts worldwide. The GM Foundation focuses on supporting Education, Health and Human Services, Environment and Energy and Community Development initiatives, mainly in the communities where GM operates. Funding of the GM Foundation comes solely from GM. The last contribution to the GM Foundation was made in 2001. For more information, visit www.gm.com/gmfoundation.

About Buick
Buick is a modern luxury brand offering vehicles with sculpted designs, luxurious interiors with thoughtful personal technologies, along with responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new customers with its portfolio of award-winning luxury models, including the Enclave crossover, LaCrosse sedan, Regal sport sedan, Buick Verano sedan and the all-new 2013 Encore crossover. Learn more about Buick cars and crossovers at www.buick.com, on Twitter @buick or at www.facebook.com/buick.

SOURCE General Motors Foundation

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