FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 23, 2000

Fairbanks, Alaska - For more than 15 years, the Fifty Below Charter Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association has raised money for scholarships benefiting single, working mothers returning to school to pursue a college degree.

Along with awarding yearly scholarships, members set the goal to raise enough money to develop a self-perpetuating scholarship fund. This year they met their objective, thanks in part to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Chancellor’s Matching Grant Fund.

Chapter members accumulated $5,000 in their scholarship fund, which was then matched by a $5,000 grant from the university. The new ABWA Scholarship Fund will award a $500 to $1,000 scholarship each year to a local student who meets the criteria specified by the organization.

The group, whose members include leading business women and several UAF graduates throughout Interior Alaska, aims to bring together women in diverse occupations to provide opportunities for personal and professional growth through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition.

For more information on other grants, scholarships and interest-free loans, contact ABWA Executive Director Carolyn Elman at (816) 361-6621.

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