DENVER, July 29 /EMWNews/ -- Cargill announced that it

has granted $100,000 to the American Indian College Fund. The gift will

benefit 25 student scholarships and a professional development initiative

called "Backpacks to Briefcase," which ensures the successful transition of

students to their professional lives.



    Scholarship recipients are chosen based on their financial need,

education enrollment status, and community involvement. Students will be

notified of their selection status in August 2008 for the 2008-09 academic

year.



    The American Indian College Fund supports qualified American Indian

scholars by providing financial support to encourage them to remain in

college and complete a college degree. The Fund believes that an education

enables American Indian students to make a better life for themselves and

their families, while providing valuable contributions to their communities

and nation.



    "As a company, Cargill is committed to a culture of diversity and

inclusion, and we're dedicated to supporting education in our communities,"

said Margaret Studer, Vice President of Global Diversity and Inclusion at

Cargill. "We are pleased to contribute to the American Indian College Fund

in order to help these students succeed in the classroom, and beyond."



    Richard B. Williams, president and CEO of the Fund, said, "Cargill,

through its generosity, is making a profound difference in American Indian

students' lives. For most of our students, winning a scholarship is the

only hope of realizing the dream of education. Cargill's grant will ensure

that American Indian students can pursue their dreams, changing their

lives, their families' lives, and their communities," Williams said.

    About Cargill



    Cargill is an international provider of food, agricultural and risk

management products and services. With 158,000 employees in 66 countries,

the company is committed to using its knowledge and experience to

collaborate with customers to help them succeed. Cargill contributes more

than $40 million a year globally to civic and charitable organizations that

help nourish the people and possibilities in communities where its

employees live and work. For more information, visit http://www.cargill.com.



    About the American Indian College Fund



    With its credo "Educating the Mind and Spirit," the Denver-based

American Indian College Fund is the nation's largest provider of private

scholarships for American Indian students, providing more than 6,000

scholarships annually for students seeking to better their lives and

communities through education at the nation's more than 30 accredited

tribal colleges and universities. For more information about the American

Indian College Fund or to make a donation, visit http://www.collegefund.org.