/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ - UNCF - the United Negro College Fund - the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization, has received a $500,000 grant from Lowe's and the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation (LCEF) for the Campaign for Essential Student Aid (CESA).

Funding will help students at UNCF's 39 member historically black colleges and universities complete their senior year and receive their college degrees.

"We are grateful for Lowe's generous gift and for their commitment to education," said Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., UNCF president and CEO. "These students have done everything in their power to graduate. Now, they have come to the last mile and need help crossing the finish line. We encourage communities across America to follow in Lowe's footsteps and help these students get the education they need."

As the recession lingers, many students at UNCF schools continue to find themselves in financially vulnerable positions. Unemployment and pay cuts still reduce families' financial support for their children's education. The credit crunch still keeps private student loans off the market. And students still come up short of the funds they need to cover tuition and room and board balances.

"Lowe's commitment to improving communities begins by supporting organizations that give students the resources to become tomorrow's employees, homeowners and community leaders," said Larry Stone, chairman of Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation. "By supporting organizations like UNCF, Lowe's is contributing to a cause that is important to our customers and employees and invests in helping students achieve their fullest potential by completing their college degrees."

Individuals, corporations and foundations can help thousands of students finish the fall semester by contributing to the Campaign For Essential Student Aid. To make a donation, visit www.uncf.org and click on Campaign for Essential Student Aid or call Francene Walker, UNCF Director of Individual and Planned Giving at 703-205-3569 to help keep kids in college.

Since its founding, UNCF has helped 350,000 students earn degrees from its 39 member colleges and universities. Today, 55,000 students attend UNCF member institutions each year.

About UNCF

UNCF - the United Negro College Fund - is the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students' education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 39 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 21 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste."® Learn more at www.UNCF.org

About LOWE'S

Lowe's is a proud supporter of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Habitat for Humanity International, American Red Cross and Skills USA/Skills Canada, in addition to numerous non-profit organizations and programs that help communities in North America. In 2009, Lowe's and the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation together contributed more than $30 million to support community and education projects in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Lowe's also encourages volunteerism through the Lowe's Heroes program, a company-wide employee volunteer initiative. Lowe's is a FORTUNE® 50 company with fiscal year 2009 sales of $47.2 billion and has more than 1,725 stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico. For more information, visit Lowes.com/community.

United Negro College Fund

United Negro College Fund

UNCF -- the United Negro College Fund -- is the nation's oldest and most successful minority education assistance organization. Its mission is to increase minority degree attainment by providing financial support to its 39 member institutions, reducing financial barriers to college and serving as a national advocate for minority education. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 18 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country. UNCF's recently redesigned logo and brand identity feature UNCF's torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste."(R) Learn more at www.UNCF.org.

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