Ford Motor Company Fund Continues GRAMMY Foundation Support with Honorariums and School Grants

Jared Cassedy, recipient of the Music Educator Award™ presented by The Recording Academy® and the GRAMMY Foundation® to receive new Ford vehicle

Ford Motor Company expands commitment to GRAMMY Foundation’s music education outreach by hosting signature Drive 4 UR School events at finalists’ school

DEARBORN, MI -- February 6, 2015: Ford Motor Company is expanding its long-time support of the GRAMMY Foundation®’s GRAMMY in the Schools® initiative by donating additional money through Ford’s innovative Drive 4 UR School program – as well as a new 2015 Ford vehicle to the 2015 Music Educator of the Year. The Music Educator Award™ was established by the GRAMMY Foundation and The Recording Academy® to recognize current educators (K through college, public and private schools) who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education, and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in their schools. The Music Educator Award and honorariums are supported by a grant from Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company. Ford Motor Company will also award a new 2015 car or truck to Jared Cassedy, winner of the Music Educator Award. Cassedy teaches at Windham High School in Windham, N.H. In addition, 25 semifinalists for the GRAMMY Foundation’s Music Educator Award had the chance to earn up to $6,000 for their school’s music program through Drive 4 UR School, a unique Ford vehicle test drive program at local dealerships. In November, Diamond Bar High School high school got a surprise visit from Ryan Seacrest, the radio and television host who is the GRAMMY Foundation's Honorary Board Chair. Seacrest participated in the program with local students.

The Drive 4 UR School program helps schools all over the country go further by raising money to support extracurricular activities, including music. Since it was launched in 2007, the program has raised nearly $25 million for schools throughout the U.S. “Education is the cornerstone of a brighter future, and we are proud to work with the GRAMMY Foundation because of our shared commitment to providing educational opportunities for all,” said Pamela Alexander, director of community development, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “Expanding our association to include another innovative Ford community program and a brand new Ford vehicle for the Music Educator of the Year is a great way to award the hard work of teachers and schools throughout our country.” Ford Motor Company was also presenting sponsor this week of the Sixth annual GRAMMY In The Schools Live! — A Celebration of Music & Education, which featured performances by GRAMMY® nominee Hunter Hayes and high school singers and instrumentalists from around the U.S. Since 2009, Ford has worked with the GRAMMY Foundation to provide GRAMMY Signature Schools grants and GRAMMY Camp® - Basic Training sessions in almost 20 cities around the U.S. The grants provide funding for music programs in schools with financial need. The Basic Training sessions allow students to learn about career opportunities in the music industry.

Ford Motor Company Fund has a long history of innovative educational programs and partnerships and invests more than $8 million a year, about one-third of its annual financial support, in scholarships and other education initiatives. For more information on the Ford Motor Company Fund and the GRAMMY Foundation visit Ford Community and Grammy in the Schools