Ford Continues Support of Jackie Robinson Foundation

Ford is key awards dinner sponsor and host for the Althea Gibson/JRF Scholar

NEW YORK, March 7 – Ford Motor Company Fund, a committed supporter of educational programs designed to help youth of all ethnicities achieve their academic potential, renewed its support of the Jackie Robinson Foundation Annual Awards Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

Ford is a key sponsor of the annual event. In addition, Ford will host a small private luncheon for the Althea Gibson/Jackie Robinson Scholar, Carolyn M. Wright – Class of 2008.

“Ford believes in the power of education and equipping all young adults with the necessary skills to achieve their full potential,” said Sandra E. Ulsh, Ford Motor Company Fund president, “Young men and women are our future and they matter to us.”

The Jackie Robinson Foundation was founded in 1973, a year after the legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson died. Robinson made history in 1946, when he signed a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers organization, thus ending decades of discrimination against African Americans in baseball.

Gibson, who died September 2003, is another history-making African American who, in 1951, became the first African American invited to enter the all-England tournament at Wimbledon and later, in 1957, became the first African American to win at Wimbledon.

“As an Althea Gibson/Jackie Robinson Foundation scholar, I have found new motivation to discover the best in others and myself,” said Carolyn M. Wright, the recipient of the Althea Gibson/Jackie Robinson Scholar Class of 2008 award. “Coming together with such great minds to celebrate Jackie Robinson’s example is both an honor and a blessing.”

Wright, who graduated last year from H-B Woodlawn Program in Arlington, Va., attends Harvard University majoring in International Affairs.

“Ford Motor Company is proud to support the scholarship fund and commend the Jackie Robinson Foundation for the work it has done over the years to broaden higher educational options to young adults who desire to expand their knowledge,” Ulsh said. “Corporate America will benefit greatly from this investment in youth.”

The Jackie Robinson Foundation awards four-year college scholarships so academically gifted students of color, with financial need, may attend the college or university of their choice. Students are also encouraged to continue Robinson’s legacy of commitment to social causes and “giving back” to the community. Since it’s founding, over 930 students across the country have received scholarship awards from the foundation.

Ford Motor Company Fund supports programs that enhance and enrich the communities where Ford Motor Company does business. Ford Motor Company Fund is committed to creating educational opportunities that stimulate creativity and promote cultural diversity. In 2004, Ford Motor Company Fund dedicated almost $80 million to educational initiatives, cultural sponsorships, performing arts events, and university scholarships and programs geared towards school children. For more information on programs made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund visit www.ford.com.