January 06, 2004
Each location offering two scholarships, state and national winners to be selected.
Contacts: Wendy Sept or Sarah Clark (479) 273-4314

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Jan. 7, 2004 - Thanks to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., up to $7 million in Sam Walton Community Scholarships will be awarded in 2004. Every Wal-Mart and SAM’S CLUB will have two $1,000 Sam Walton Community Scholarships to award in May. Applications are now available in Wal-Mart stores and SAM’S CLUB locations and from high school counselors, with an application deadline of Feb. 1. The scholarships are being funded by the Wal-Mart/SAM’S CLUB Foundation.

"We hope to make a difference in the lives of our customers by helping with the rising cost of education," said Betsy Reithemeyer, director of the Wal-Mart/SAM’S CLUB Foundation.

Scholarships will be awarded based on academic record, ACT/SAT test scores, community and extracurricular involvement, work experience, and financial need.

All scholarship recipients will automatically be entered into a state competition for a chance to win an additional $4,000 scholarship, for a total award of $5,000. All state winners will then be automatically entered into a national competition for a chance to win an additional $20,000 scholarship, for a total scholarship award of $25,000. Additional information and requirements are listed on the applications. The state winners and national winner will be notified in July.

Sam Walton Community Scholarships are one of several scholarships awarded by Wal-Mart to demonstrate the company’s commitment to education. Other scholarships include those for Wal-Mart associates and their children. For more information on other Wal-Mart scholarships or education initiatives, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., operates Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAM’S CLUBS in all 50 states. Internationally, the company operates in Puerto Rico, Canada, China, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, United Kingdom, Argentina, and South Korea. The company’s securities are listed on the New York and Pacific stock exchanges under the symbol WMT. Last year, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., contributed more than $140 million to support communities and local nonprofit organizations. Customers and associates raised an additional $70 million at stores and clubs. More information about Wal-Mart can be located on-line at www.walmartstores.com and www.walmart.com. The SAM’S CLUB Web site can be accessed at www.samsclub.com.