Alcoa Foundation Joins with Institute for Civic Leadership to Establish Alcoa Global Service Leaders Scholarship Program

NEW YORK--March 15, 2011: Alcoa Foundation is joining with Institute for Civic Leadership (ICL) to establish the Alcoa Global Service Leaders Scholarship Program. Through the program, 50 students, ages 15 to 18, from around the world, can apply for full scholarships up to US$5,000 to attend ICL's 2011 Summer Academy, a comprehensive, two-week hands-on summer leadership program for students who have passion for leadership and service. Interested students can apply online via www.alcoa.com/serviceleaders. Applications must be received by April 22, 2011, and award winners will be notified May 2, 2011.

“After two weeks, students become part of a network of service leaders from around the world and have a different understanding of themselves and their ability to make service count”

"At Alcoa, we work hard to create an inclusive culture that embraces diversity, inspires initiative, drives innovation and rewards excellence," said Klaus Kleinfeld, Alcoa Chairman and CEO. "The Alcoa Global Service Leaders Scholarship Program was created to recognize those students who embody these attributes and demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and service leadership in their communities."

"We thank Alcoa for their vision and support of the next generation of global leaders through sustainable leadership training," said Kirk Spahn, Board President and Co-Founder of the Institute for Civic Leadership, "and for their generosity in providing 50 deserving students with the skills and tools necessary to becoming sustainable leaders in their communities."

Alcoa Foundation scholarships will be awarded based on a combination of a student's merit and need and will cover full program costs, including tuition, roundtrip international travel and passport and visa fees, if necessary. Applications will be evaluated by an elite panel of international judges from industry, government, sports and academics, including tennis great Monica Seles, former National Football League linebacker Brandon Short, former United Kingdom Ambassador to the United Nations Jeremy Greenstock, diplomat Mitra Vasisht of the Indian Foreign Service, and Jordan's Prince Rashid el Hassan.

The scholarship winners will have a unique opportunity to study and learn together at Dwight International School, Vancouver Island, Canada. In a "classroom without walls," students learn about sustainable leadership and the key skills to enable them to lead now and in the future. During workshops, team-building exercises, games and excursions, highly trained educators will push students to reach their highest leadership potential.

"After two weeks, students become part of a network of service leaders from around the world and have a different understanding of themselves and their ability to make service count," said Mr. Spahn. Participation in the ICL Academy helps students answer the most critical questions asked by both colleges and future employers: How are you a leader? How can you make a difference?

For more information about Alcoa's Global Service Leaders Scholarship Program and to complete a scholarship application, visit www.alcoa.com/serviceleaders. For questions about the application and the Summer Academy, email ICL at info@iclny.org.

About Alcoa Foundation

Alcoa Foundation is one of the largest corporate foundations in the U.S., with assets of approximately US $420 million. In addition to addressing local needs in communities where Alcoa operates, Alcoa Foundation is focused on promoting environmental stewardship, enabling economic and social sustainability, and preparing tomorrow's leaders through education and learning. Alcoa Foundation was founded more than 50 years ago and has invested more than US $515 million since 1952. Alcoa employees share their energy, passion and purpose to make a difference in our communities through the Alcoa Volunteers Program, which last year recorded 650,000 hours of service to 9,000 charitable organizations. Their time was matched with US $4 million in Alcoa volunteer grants. More information can be found at Alcoa Foundation .