PITTSBURGH - Alcoa Foundation today announced that it has awarded a $30,000 grant to the National Urban League Inc. to support the Campaign for African-American Achievement during September - the league's Achievement Month celebrating the accomplishments of black youth in the United States.

During September, Urban League affiliates and African-American churches, fraternities, sororities and professional and civic organizations are launching a series of events in recognition of youth who are excelling in their communities. Events include Sunday sermons about academic achievement and the educational crises facing youth; celebrations of youth who are doing the right thing; and rallies to bring public attention to the accomplishments and needs of youth.

"Alcoa Foundation recognizes the Campaign for African-American Achievement as a quality program because its strategy combines an effort to directly affect change within communities while providing tools to the public policy sector that plays an influential role in the development of African-American youth," said Kathleen Buechel, president and treasurer of Alcoa Foundation. "This two-pronged strategy makes the campaign's accomplishments sustainable for years to come, and sustainability is a key factor of ensuring long-term success."

About Alcoa Foundation

In 2003, Alcoa Foundation made $15 million in grants around the world. Communities where Alcoa has a presence are the primary focus of its grantmaking programs. Through disaster relief grants and employee engagement initiatives like ACTION and Bravo!, additional resources are made available to our communities. The Foundation's grants address global and local needs in Areas of Excellence that include: Conservation and Sustainability, Global Education and Workplace Skills, Business and Community Partnerships and Safe and Healthy Children and Families. For more information about Alcoa Foundation, visit www.alcoa.com, under Community.

About Alcoa

Alcoa (NYSE:AA) is the world's leading producer of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap(R) foils and plastic wraps, Alcoa(R) wheels, and Baco(R) household wraps. Among its other businesses are vinyl siding, closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 120,000 employees in 41 countries and has been a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average for 45 years and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes since 2001. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com

About the National Urban League

The National Urban League is a non-profit, nonpartisan, civil rights and community-based movement that serves over 2 million people, providing direct services, research and policy advocacy to help individuals and communities reach their fullest potential. Primarily working with African-Americans and other emerging ethnic communities, it's a network of over 100 professionally staffed affiliates located in over 35 states across the country, working to close equality gaps for people at all economic levels and stages of life, and giving residents a chance to give back as volunteers. www.nul.org

Alcoa Inc.

Alcoa Inc.

Alcoa (NYSE:AA) is the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina facilities, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap® foils and plastic wraps, Alcoa® wheels, and Baco® household wraps. Among its other businesses are closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 129,000 employees in 44 countries and has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com

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