The USAA Foundation Contributes $50,000 To Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation; Contribution Supports Programs To Reduce High School Dropout Rates In Arizona

PHOENIX--Jan. 1, 20050, 2005--In an effort to increase high school graduation and college attendance rates in Maricopa County, The USAA Foundation has contributed $50,000 to the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation (MCCF). This contribution, which is one of the largest given to MCCF in any one year, will benefit the Maricopa Community College's "Achieving a College Education" (ACE) program, which serves more than 1,400 at-risk students from high schools across Maricopa County.

"More than 33,000 students dropped out of Arizona schools last year, and more than half of those students were from Maricopa County," said Jack Swonson, senior vice president of USAA's Phoenix operations. "We hope this contribution helps turn the tide for those students, as they reach their full potential in school and beyond."

MCCF's ACE program was established in 1988 to reduce dropout rates among at-risk high school students, and to help them succeed at community colleges and universities. Students are recruited for the ACE program in their sophomore year, and attend college classes during their junior and senior years in high school. ACE staff, high school administrators, parents, and guardians provide a network of support to help students build academic skills. ACE high school graduation rates reach 98 percent, and more than 80 percent of ACE graduates continue their college studies.

"This generous contribution from The USAA Foundation is an important step in our campaign to expand ACE," said Dr. Rufus Glasper, Chancellor of the Maricopa Community Colleges. "We now have nine Maricopa Community College ACE programs, 54 participating high schools, and more than 1,400 students enrolled. With help from important community partners like The USAA Foundation, we soon hope to provide funding for up to 3,500 students per year."

Support of educational initiatives is a priority for The USAA Foundation, and this special contribution is being made in celebration of USAA's expansion into the Phoenix community.

The USAA Foundation, A Charitable Trust, supports organizations that provide services in the areas of education, health and human services, arts and culture, and civic and economic development primarily in the communities where USAA employees live and work. USAA is the sponsor of The USAA Foundation.

USAA is a highly competitive financial services company known for its financial strength and outstanding service to its members. USAA owns or manages assets of $79 billion, and provides insurance, banking, and investment products to more than 5 million members of the U.S. military and their families. Founded in 1922, USAA has 21,000 employees in its San Antonio headquarters and regional offices, and is widely recognized as one of the best places to work in America.