The American Indian College Fund Receives Grant From the Ford Foundation

DENVER, April 25 -- The American Indian College Fund has received an $825,000 grant from Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company . The grant provides scholarships for Native American students at both tribal colleges and mainstream institutions in fields ranging from teacher training, business and accounting to engineering, computer science and math.

``The Ford Fund's on-going commitment to Indian education is one that will have an impact on Native communities for generations to come,'' said Richard Williams, executive director of the Denver-based non-profit organization. ``This funding will enable students to pursue their educational goals while addressing the needs in many areas of their economies.''

With the fastest-growing population in the U.S., Williams said that having a trained, well-educated workforce is critical to the survival of American Indians.

``Education is our top priority,'' said Sandra Ulsh, president of Ford Fund. ``We are proud to strengthen our support of the American Indian Fund. We believe it is essential to continue supporting organizations that help enhance the communities where we do business.''

The American Indian College Fund, established in 1989, has spent more than a decade helping to increase educational opportunities for Native students. With its credo ``educating the mind and spirit,'' the Denver-based non-profit distributes scholarships and support to tribal colleges across the country. This aid directly supports more than 6,000 students in achieving their college education. The College Fund also supports endowments, developmental needs and public awareness, as well as college programs in Native cultural preservation and teacher training.

Ford Motor Company Fund is the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, and education is its top priority. Ford Fund supports non-profit organizations in three priority areas -- education; community development (which includes public policy, health and social programs, civic affairs, and arts and humanities) and environment -- and continues to be committed to providing and enhancing opportunities to the people who live and work in the communities where Ford Motor Company does business. Ford Fund and Ford Motor Company are not affiliated with The Ford Foundation in New York in any way. No member of the Ford family or Ford Motor Company management is on Ford Foundation's Board of Directors. For more information about Ford Motor Company, visit www.ford.com .