DETROIT -

The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program has revealed the first five of 100 U.S. high school and undergraduate college students that will receive up to $25,000 in annual scholarships for “demonstrating excellence in the classroom and in the community.”

“With the current U.S. student loan debt hovering around $1 trillion, the impact the Buick Achievers Scholarship will have on these students is immeasurable,” said GM Foundation president Vivian Pickard. “For some, they will be the first in their family to attend college and this program will provide an opportunity to pursue an academic career without the related financial pressures.”

The first five recipients of the 2013 Buick Achievers Scholarship Program include:

Donald Chao, of Bellevue, Wash.
Nicole Kennard, of Acworth, Ga.
Sharnique Smith, of Memphis, Tenn.
Devin Willis, of Chateaugay, N.Y.
Benjamin Zavala, of Pittsburgh

Offering a little background, the scholarship program is funded by the General Motors Foundation and was established in 2011. 

Each year, Buick Achievers provides 100 students with up to $25,000 renewable for four years, and one additional year for those entering a qualified, five-year engineering program.

Additionally, 1,000 students receive a one-time $2,000 award. To date, Buick Achievers has awarded nearly $12 million to more than 2,100 college-bound students, officials shared.

The program is designed to support students interested in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, math, also know as STEM, information technology and other fields related to the automotive industry.

“The combination of academic achievement and community leadership exhibited by these Buick Achievers underscores the core values of this scholarship,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. “Supporting students interested in a STEM major or career is essential for the growth in our industry, and we applaud these future innovators and leaders for their commitment.”

The complete 2013 class of Buick Achievers will be announced later this year. For more information on the program, see www.buickachievers.com.

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