Mercedes-Benz Chicago Urban League Scholarships Near $250,000

- Sixty-two Scholarships Awarded to Chicago Students Since 1991

- Presentation Will Take Place Tuesday, June 27 at Soldier Field

CHICAGO, June 22 -- Mercedes-Benz USA has awarded a total of $248,000 in college scholarships to 62 Chicago-area students through its partnership with the Chicago Urban League. Established in 1991, the program evaluates high-potential students based on both their financial need and academic performance, awarding $4,000 scholarships to each of the top four applicants each year.

"It's rewarding to be able to provide support to these exceptional students who will be the leaders and mentors of the future," said Timothy O'Sullivan, general manager of MBUSA's South Central region said. "As a company, we value education and have found a good partner in the Chicago Urban League in helping us to seek out those students most deserving of the scholarship."

This year's presentation will take place on Tuesday, June 27th at Soldier Field, located at 1410 South Museum Campus Dr., Chicago, IL., from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Names and colleges of the four scholarship recipients will be released at the awards ceremony.

A Rigorous Process

"This partnership has worked very well for the Chicago Urban League in generating funds toward educating students," says Chicago Urban League's president and CEO James W. Compton, who ultimately approves each scholarship recipient. Students learn about opportunities through the CUL's web site, word-of-mouth and mailings. Once a completed application is received and deemed eligible both academically and financially, students interview with a three-person panel from the Scholarship Advisory Committee.

In addition to the Chicago Urban League scholarships, Mercedes-Benz USA supports college-bound students through its annual DRIVE YOUR FUTURE Scholarship Program; an initiative which aims to assist students who are the first generation in their families to pursue a college education. Now in its third year, the DRIVE YOUR FUTURE program grants scholarships to high school seniors across the country who demonstrate exceptional achievement in the areas of academic performance, leadership and school and community activities. The program is part of MBUSA's ongoing effort to create opportunities for young people by helping them clear some of the hurdles to higher education. This year the DRIVE YOUR FUTURE program will provide $1.5 million in scholarship funding.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

MBUSA's office for the Chicago Region, based out of Rosemont, IL, is responsible for advertising, sales and marketing initiatives for the 83 Mercedes-Benz dealers located in the Midwest.

Headquartered in Montvale, N.J., MBUSA is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. Through its philanthropic program, MBUSA focuses on educating and empowering future generations, particularly those who are underserved. The company views education as an opportunity to ensure that as many of today's youth as possible are given the tools, guidance and support they need to reach their full potential. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.

NOTE TO EDITORS: This story and high-resolution photos can be downloaded from the MBUSA news-media website at http://media.mbusa.com