Gates Millennium Scholars Program to Announce Inaugural Class of Gates Millennium Scholars

Susan Denzer
Phone: 202.338.8700

SEATTLE — On Thursday, June 8, 2000, the Gates Millennium Scholars Program will announce the inaugural class of Gates Millennium Scholars. A number of the first recipients will join hosts Bill and Melinda Gates to discuss the program. The first class of scholars will be comprised of approximately 4,000 high-achieving students from low-income minority families. The Gates Millennium Scholars Program is a $1 billion initiative aimed at reducing the financial barriers to a college education for 20,000 young people over a 20-year period. Supported by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Millennium Scholarship Program is administered by the United Negro College Fund, in partnership with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and the American Indian College Fund. It is the largest privately funded philanthropic scholarship in history.

WHAT: Press conference to announce the inaugural class of Gates Millennium Scholars

WHO: Gates Millennium Scholars; Bill and Melinda Gates; Patty Stonesifer, Co-Chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Bill Gray, CEO, United Negro College Fund;

WHEN: Thursday, June 8, 2000, 10:15 a.m. PST

CREDENTIALS: This event will be open to the media. Any reporters interested in covering this event must arrive at the Foundation to pick up media credentials no later than 9:30 a.m. PST on June 8. Credentials will be given only to those reporters with valid press credentials. For details, contact Katie Miller at 206.239.0129.

The event will be broadcast live via satellite and Webcast on the Internet. In addition, b-roll and satellite media interviews will be available. Please call Michelle Fristachi at 212.339.9920 for details.