Nissan Honors Hispanic Scholars; Fourteen Southern California Students Receive Scholarships on Behalf of Nissan North America & Hispanic Scholarship Fund

GARDENA, Calif.--May 1, 20061, 2006--Today, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) will honor 14 Hispanic students with scholarships during a Celebration of Achievement ceremony being held at Univision in Los Angeles, California.

The students are recipients of the HSF/NNA Community College Transfer Scholarship Program created to provide financial assistance to community college students of Hispanic heritage transferring to a four-year college or university in order to obtain a bachelor's degree.

"Our contribution to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund reflects Nissan's ongoing dedication to diversity and educational access," said Terri Hines, senior manager, public affairs at NNA.

Many of the students being honored have overcome significant obstacles and life challenges. Jose Manaiza, one of the 14 recipients, will be graduating next year from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in mathematics and economics, despite all the odds stacked against him. Jose arrived in the United States only four years ago, unable to speak English and facing severe poverty.

"I came to the United States with the American Dream in my heart, and with my education I want to improve my life and work to better the lives of people here and around the world," Manaiza said.

Through the HSF/NNA Community College Transfer Scholarship Program, Manaiza has found an invaluable aid in paying for his tuition, fees and books. Upon graduation, Manaiza aspires to assist those facing the same struggles he faced.

This year, NNA will donate $117,650 to support scholarships for recipients in California and Texas. To date, NNA has awarded 164 scholarships and has contributed close to $600,000 to HSF since the launch of the HSF/NNA partnership in 1995.

About the HSF/NNA Community College Transfer Scholarship Program

The HSF/NNA partnership was created in 1995 to provide financial assistance to community college students of Hispanic heritage transferring to a four-year college or university in order to obtain a bachelor's degree. The students are selected based on their acceptance to a four-year university, grade-point average, academic recommendations and future plans for making a difference in their community.

About Nissan North America

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on Nissan North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissanUSA.com and www.infiniti.com.

About Hispanic Scholarship Fund

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) is the nation's leading organization supporting Hispanic higher education. Founded in 1975 as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, HSF's vision is to strengthen the country by advancing college education among Hispanic Americans. In support of its mission to double the rate of Hispanics earning college degrees, HSF provides the Latino community more college scholarships and educational outreach support than any other organization in the country. During its 30-year history, HSF has awarded more than 73,000 scholarships in excess of $170 million to Latinos attending more than 1,700 colleges and universities.