DENVER-- In support of American Indian higher education, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) granted $85,000 to the American Indian College Fund to continue the Nissan Corporate Scholars Program. The program has provided scholarships to Native scholars attending tribal colleges and mainstream universities for more than a decade.

The renewed grant will support 10 tribal scholarships of $3,000 each per year and five mainstream scholarships of $5,000 each per year. Students must be enrolled in college full-time, have a 2.5 cumulative grade point average, and demonstrate leadership and commitment to the Native community to be eligible. Preference is given to renewing Nissan scholars.

Nissan is also a $20,000 sponsor of the Fund's annual Flame of Hope Fundraising Gala on October 20, 2011. The event raises both awareness and funds to help students in Indian Country achieve their educational and career goals.

"The Nissan Foundation aims to build community through valuing cultural diversity," says Scott Becker, chairman of the Nissan Foundation. "By encouraging Native American students to continue their education, our hope is that they, in turn, will strengthen and bring greater value to their communities."

"Nissan's continued support is helping Native American students realize their dreams of graduating from college," said Richard B. Williams, president and CEO of the American Indian College Fund. "We are thrilled that they continue to recognize the importance of education in combating poverty and creating better communities in Indian Country."