November 19, 2002 — This week the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of the Intermountain West will announce the establishment of an annual diversity scholarship at the University of Utah for entering freshmen who are of Hispanic, Asian/Pacific and African American descent.

Details of the new RMHC Future Achievers Scholarship Program will be made public on Wednesday, Nov. 20, as part of “World Children’s Day,” a worldwide fundraising effort sponsored by McDonald’s, which benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities and children globally. A press conference will be held that day at 10 a.m., at the Ronald McDonald House, located at 935 E. South Temple.

The RMHC Scholarship Program will match, dollar for dollar, up to $225,000 for a potential of $450,000 to be awarded to these students. As $50,000 in funds was previously earmarked for minorities, the University already has a combined total of $100,000 to award to students in the fall of 2003.

“This scholarship will assist students who may face limited access to educational and career opportunities in fulfilling their educational dreams,” notes Barbara Snyder, vice president for student affairs at the University of Utah.

Currently, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific and African American students make up 8.7 percent of the undergraduate student body at the University.

“This scholarship recognizes these students’ potential, their desire to learn as well as their accomplishments,” notes Frances Gillmor, executive director of the RMHC of the Intermountain Area.

Most local chapters of the RMHC award students a minimum of $1,000 scholarships, although amounts vary in some local program areas. Funds are applied toward tuition, fees and other appropriate educational expenses. Applications are due by February 1, 2003. For more information, students may contact their local chapter of RMHC, go to www.rmhslc.org or contact the University of Utah’s Financial Aid and Scholarships Office at 1-801-581-6211.

On World Children’s Day, $1 from every Big Mac, Egg McMuffin and Happy Meal/Mighty Kids Meal sold on Wednesday, Nov. 20, will be donated to RMHC. “Funds raised at local McDonald’s restaurants stay in the local communities and provide incredible possibilities to help children,” Gillmor says.

Over the past 15 years Ronald McDonald House Charities have supported more than 100 organizations, including the YWCA, The Make a Wish foundation and the Children’s Center at the University of Utah.