Kmart Corporation (NYSE: KM) today announced a $450,000 grant donation to The New Detroit Science Center as part of the retailer's sponsorship of the Center's new IMAX® Dome Theatre lobby. The grant, which will be distributed over the next three years, is the first such donation to come from Kmart's new corporate giving and community outreach program, Leaders in Learning.

"At Kmart, we believe that leadership and learning are fundamental. Within our customer-centric culture - as the Authority for Moms and their Kids - we are committed to helping bring opportunities to our customers, communities and associates that expand on their knowledge and enhance their quality of life," said Charles C. Conaway, Chairman and CEO, Kmart Corporation. "We are proud to support The New Detroit Science Center as it embodies learning and provides the foundation for the development of future thought leaders."

"Through the generous donations and support of corporate citizens like Kmart, The New Detroit Science Center will be a driving force in the education of young minds pursuing a future in science and technology," said Francois Castaing, chairman of The New Detroit Science Center.

Kmart Corporation is a near-$40 billion company that serves America with more than 2,100 Kmart and Kmart Supercenter retail outlets. Kmart donates $35 million each year to support its hometown and local non-profit organizations. Kmart associates also provide their most valuable resource - time - every day in their local communities. In addition to serving all 50 states, Kmart operations extend to the Caribbean Islands and Asia Pacific. More information about Kmart is available on the World Wide Web at www.bluelight.com under the "About Kmart" section.

Located in the heart of Detroit's Cultural Center, The New Detroit Science Center will feature an additional 65,000 square feet of space, for a total of 110,000 square feet of space. The Science Center will be able to serve 500,000 visitors each year with an estimated annual attendance of 350,000 guests and an additional 100,000 children attending as part of organized groups. The original Detroit Science Center, founded by Detroit businessman and philanthropist Dexter Ferry nearly 30 years ago, was among the first centers for scientific exploration and learning in the country that included an IMAX® Dome Theatre. Plans to transform the Science Center into a leading center for science education began in late 1998. In December 1999, the Science Center broke ground on its $30 million expansion and renovation. The New Detroit Science Center will open in July as a highlight and lasting legacy of the Detroit 300 festivities. For more information on The New Detroit Science Center, membership or fundraising opportunities, please call 313-577-8400 or visit the website, www.sciencedetroit.org.

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