RMHC Scholarship Programs Open the Door to a Higher Education

Awards Provide Financial Assistance to Graduating High School Seniors Who Face Financial Barriers to Educational Opportunities


OAK BROOK, IL--(Marketwire - Nov 11, 2011) - Horace Mann, an American education reformer, once said that "A human being is not attaining his full heights until he is educated." And, most agree that an education and a passion for learning help fuel economic sustainability helping our communities grow and flourish. From today until January 27, 2012, students who demonstrate a desire to learn, have contributed to their community and have the drive to attend college, can apply online for a scholarship through the Ronald McDonald House Charities® U.S. Scholarship Program.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition plus expenses at a private nonprofit four-year institution is about $37,400. For this reason, a college education is sometimes beyond the financial reach of many outstanding students. To help eligible students achieve their educational goals RMHC and its network of U.S. Chapters offer scholarships to students with financial need who have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership and community involvement. The Charity gives applicants the option to apply to one of four scholarship programs: RMHC®/ASIA (Asian Students Increasing Achievement), RMHC®/African American Future Achievers, RMHC®/HACER® (Hispanic American Commitment to Educational Resources) and RMHC® Scholars. Since 1985, the Charity has awarded more than $44 million in scholarships to exceptional students.

"Education benefits both the child and our communities at large. By opening the door to a higher education, we are helping these students reach their full potential. Through the scholarship programs, RMHC makes a long standing commitment to education and invests in future leaders," said Jennifer Blanchard Smith, senior director RMHC.

The selection criteria for a scholarship award includes: the applicants must be less than 21 years of age, they must carry a minimum 2.7 GPA, plan to enroll at an accredited post-secondary education institution during the academic year following their graduation, and reside in a participating local Chapter's geographic area. Additional eligibility criteria and instructions on how to apply can be found at http://rmhc.org/what-we-do/rmhc-u-s-scholarships/. The deadline for the 2011/2012 RMHC Scholarship program year is January 27, 2012.

"Community service has always been important to me. I was able to get involved in different projects while in high school such as fundraising for non-profit organizations, mentoring youth at my church, and tutoring young students at local after-school programs," said Loren Ramirez. "It's a rewarding experience to help others who are in need and I encourage students to participate in service projects too. I'm happy that RMHC has taken my dedication to my local community into consideration when selecting me for a 2011 RMHC/HACER National Scholarship. This scholarship will allow me to focus more on my studies and less on financing them."

The scholarship programs are just one way in which the RMHC fulfills its mission of improving the health and well being of children. Through its 309 Ronald McDonald Houses, 173 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms and 44 Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles, the Charity plays an active role in ensuring that more than 4.5 million families a year have the stability and vital resources they need to keep their child healthy and happy.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Through its global network of local Chapters in 54 countries and regions, its three core programs, the Ronald McDonald House®, Ronald McDonald Family Room® and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®, and millions of dollars in grants to support children's programs worldwide, RMHC provides stability and resources to families so they can get and keep their children healthy and happy. All RMHC-supported programs provide a bridge to quality health care and give children and families the time they need together to heal faster and cope better. For more information, visit www.rmhc.org, follow us on Twitter (@RMHC) or like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/RMHC Global).

The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald's Corporation and its affiliates: Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, RMHC, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

© 2011 McDonald's

Contact Information:

For more information, contact:
Clara L. Carrier
RMHC
(630) 623-6573 Office
(630) 209-7617 Cell Phone or

www.rmhc.org

2011 RMHC/HACER National Scholarship Winner