FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: , Public Education Director, 303-426-8900

The Hershey Company Grants $22,000 for Native student scholarships

May 24, 2011

The Hershey Company granted $22,000 to the American Indian College Fund (the Fund) for Native student scholarships.

The gift will provide scholarships to Native or Native descendant students studying towards a degree in math, technology, science, engineering, and/or business, with preference given to students studying at colleges or universities in Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia. Students must be studying full-time (12 hours per semester) and must have and maintain a 3.0 grade point average to be eligible.

“The Hershey Company has always been deeply committed to positively impacting our local communities and we strive to focus our corporate giving where we can make the greatest difference,” said James George, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility for The Hershey Company. “We recognize that education is a key to socioeconomic development and are proud to invest in our young community members through these educational scholarships.”

“The Hershey Company’s generous support for Native education will help American Indian students earn a college education in highly competitive fields. A higher education is a proven path out of poverty and a better future, and this gift will help Native students make a better life for themselves and their families,” said Richard B. Williams, President and CEO of the American Indian College Fund.

About The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a global leader in chocolate and sugar confectionery. Headquartered in Hershey, Pa., The Hershey Company has operations throughout the world and more than 12,000 employees. With revenues of more than $5 billion, Hershey offers confectionery products under more than 25 brand names, including such iconic brands as Hershey’s, Reese’s, Hershey’s Kisses, Hershey’s Bliss, Hershey’s Special Dark and Hershey’s Extra Dark, Kit Kat, Twizzlers, and Ice Breakers. Hershey also is a leader in the premium and artisan chocolate segments, with such brands as Scharffen Berger and Dagoba, offered through the Artisan Confections Company, a wholly owned subsidiary. The company is focused on growing its presence in key international markets such as China and Mexico while continuing to build its competitive advantage in the United States.

For more than 100 years, The Hershey Company has been a leader in making a positive difference in the communities where its employees live, work and do business. Corporate Social Responsibility is an integral part of the company’s global business strategy, which includes goals and priorities focused on fair and ethical business dealings, environmental stewardship, fostering a desirable workplace for employees, and positively impacting society and local communities. Milton Hershey School, established in 1909 by the company's founder and administered by Hershey Trust Company, provides a quality education, housing, and medical care at no cost to children in social and financial need. Students of Milton Hershey School are direct beneficiaries of The Hershey Company's success.