Visalia, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/14/2011 -- Visalia Buick GMC, a leading dealer for Bakersfield GMC shoppers, is happy to announce that the first five recipients of the Buick Achievers Scholarship Program were named today. These college-bound students from around the country will each receive a scholarship of up to $25,000 that is renewable for up to four years.

The $4.5 million-a-year scholarship program, which Buick and the General Motors Foundation announced in February, will recognize and reward 1,100 students from across the United States who excel both in the classroom and in the community.

The program is funded by the GM Foundation and available through this Bakersfield area GMC dealer.

“Through the Buick Achievers Scholarship program we are reinvesting in America,” said John T. Montford, Chairman, GM Foundation. “The availability of Buick Achievers Scholarship funds is expected to make a significant difference in these students’ lives. The high-dollar value and renewability of the awards will provide recipients with a tremendous benefit throughout their college careers and help ensure that they reach their potential.”

According to The College Board®, the average annual tuition increase in 2010-2011 was 7.9 percent at public universities and 4.5 percent at private colleges. These figures are substantially higher than both the general inflation rate and personal income growth.

“This scholarship program aligns with Buick’s efforts to inspire, celebrate, and enable human achievement,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president, Buick Marketing.

Bakersfield GMC Scholarship Winners

The first five recipients of the 2011 Buick Achievers Scholarship Program include:

Stavros Stratis of Metairie, La., who hopes to major in mechanical engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology, Daniel Graupensperger of Auburn, Calif., who hopes to major in chemical engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles, Jennifer Gammond of Aventura, Fla., who hopes to major in business administration, accounting or economics, possibly at Cornell University, Donovan Colquitt of Southfield, Mich., who will be majoring in mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and Won Ryan Lee of Montvale, NJ, who will be majoring in chemical engineering at Harvard University.

In addition to providing 100 students with up to $25,000 per year, Buick Achievers, available through this Bakersfield area GMC dealer, will provide 1,000 students with $2,000 scholarships renewable for up to four years. Eligible fields of study include science, technology, engineering, mathematics, design, marketing and business administration. All told, the foundation’s annual funding could reach $18 million annually after four years.

The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program, in conjunction with Visalia Buick GMC, is the latest example of GM Foundation education initiatives to invest in the youth of America. The GM Foundation has provided more than $26 million in education-related initiatives since 2005.

Eligibility for the 2011-12 Buick Achievers Scholarship requires applicants to be high school seniors or high school graduates entering college for the first time in the fall of 2011; planning to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited four-year college or university for the entire 2011-12 academic year; and demonstrating an interest in the automotive industry.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have permanent residence in the United States. Applications are closed for the 2011-12 academic year.

For more information about this program, please call 559-827-4265 or visit http://www.visaliagm.com.

About Visalia Buick GMC
Visalia Buick GMC conducts business with distinction and consistency. They promote excellence in quality, customer service and satisfaction both within the company and in our community. Their goal is to be their customers’ only automotive provider, ever. To accomplish this end, they hold themselves accountable to standards of excellence and demand ethics and integrity beyond reproach.

Contact:
Visalia Buick GMC
1313 E. Main Street
Visalia, CA 93292
559-827-4265