Ford Offers $5,000 Scholarships to High School Students in Western States

    DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 30 -- Continuing their
support of rural communities, Ford and its dealers are looking for
250 students to receive $5,000 from the 2003 "Ford Country Scholars" program.
    Ford Country Scholars is a three-year program that provides scholarships
to high school juniors and seniors in 11 Western states who are enrolling in
universities, colleges, community colleges or technical institutes to prepare
for careers in rural communities.
    "Ford and its dealers have a long history of supporting youth in rural
communities," said Cisco Codina, Ford Division general marketing manager.
"This scholarship program is helping young people recognize the unique
opportunities that smaller communities provide."
    States participating in the program include Alaska, Arizona, Colorado,
Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
    Applications for 2003 scholarships are available from Jan. 30 through
March 17 at http://www.fordcountryscholars.com or from Ford dealers in participating
states.
    During the three-year program, Ford will provide nearly $4 million of
educational assistance to more than 750 students committed to following
careers that support rural life.
    "As local business owners, Ford dealers play an instrumental role in the
future of our communities," said Michael Kennedy, national Ford dealer council
chairman.  "Providing opportunities for students in these communities will
help strengthen rural life and livelihood."
    Ford sent its 2002 winners off to college with an extra $5,000 last fall.
More than 2,600 students applied for scholarship funds.
    Of the more than 250 winners selected in 2002, students were planning
careers in a wide variety of fields including medical/biology, education,
agricultural/environmental, veterinary medicine, engineering, chemistry and
health science.
    Applicant qualifications include scholastic achievement, local community
service and career plans that support rural life.  Eligibility requirements
and judging criteria are included with the application.
    A panel of Ford dealers, Ford company representatives, local educators and
civic leaders will judge the applications in each state.  Recipients of the
2003 scholarships will be notified this spring.
    Throughout its 100-year history, Ford has established a continuing
commitment to rural communities.  Ford has been a leading sponsor of the
national FFA youth organization for 54 years, contributed $1.5 million as the
primary sponsor of the Provider Pals cultural exchange program and contributes
equipment to America's Second Harvest, a national nonprofit organization
serving food banks.