Magic Johnson Scholarships For Minority Students

NATIONWIDE -- Earvin "Magic" Johnson, chairman and founder of the Magic Johnson Foundation, poses with April Kelly-Drummond, director of Corporate Diversity for Denny's, at the12thAnnual Taylor Michael's Scholarship Program Conference in Los Angeles, hosted by the Magic Johnson Foundation. Under the theme the "Executive in You," this year's four-day program provided an opportunity to celebrate, educate, entertain and empower 100 students from around the country. Denny's Corporation donated $20,000 towards student scholarships and hosted fundraising events at local restaurants.

"Denny's is proud to partner with organizations like the Magic Johnson Foundation to help support the educational goals of young people and we congratulate this year's scholarship winners," said April Kelly-Drummond. "We recognize that education plays a critical role in an individual's future success and for a decade we have been helping ensure youth have the support they need to graduate."

Founded in 1998, the scholarship was named in honor of Taylor Michaels, the inspiring Chief Operating Officer for Magic Johnson Enterprises who passed away earlier that year. Students selected to participate demonstrate a strong potential for academic achievement but face socio-economic conditions that could hinder them from reaching their full potential.

"The Magic Johnson Foundation makes a difference in the lives of young people across the country," said Towalame Austin, President of the Magic Johnson Foundation, "We provide students not only with an avenue to succeed, but also the assistance necessary to continue their dreams of earning a college degree."

The Taylor Michaels Scholarship Program offers financial support, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. The program also provides students with mentor and internship programs, as well as attendance at the annual leadership conference, and test preparation classes for students interested in pursuing graduate degrees. In addition, all entering freshmen are provided laptops.

About the Magic Johnson Foundation:
The Magic Johnson Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, was established in 1991 to raise funds for community-based organizations focused on HIV/AIDS education and prevention. The Foundation has since expanded its mission to develop programs and services that address the broader educational, health and social needs of ethnically diverse, urban communities throughout the nation.