The Coca-Cola Company and Greater Houston Retailers Association Team up to Award $50,000 in Scholarships to Texas Students

Donation Supports Hispanic Scholarship Fund’s goal of one college degree per Hispanic household

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Paying for college just got a little bit easier thanks to the Greater Houston Retailers Association (GHRA), Coca-Cola and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF). The organizations are awarding $50,000 in scholarships to 20 deserving Hispanic students to ease the financial burden of attending college.

“Hispanics play an important role in Texas’ growth and HSF works to address the challenges that keep many of our Latino youth from earning a degree,” said Frank Alvarez, President & CEO, HSF. “We commend GHRA and Coca-Cola for supporting education initiatives that will help raise educational attainment levels among Hispanics in Texas.”

Until Oct. 31, residents in the state of Texas can apply at http://www.hsf.net/GHRA.aspx by submitting an essay on how a college degree can help improve the local community. Two students will receive the grand prize of $5,000 scholarship and 20 students will receive first prizes of $2,000 scholarships.

“Coca-Cola has been a proud part of the fabric of Texas communities for many years. Throughout our history, we’ve supported educational charities, colleges and universities in Hispanic communities,” said Hector Amaya, Vice President of Field Operations, Coca-Cola Refreshments of Houston. “These scholarships help bring us one step closer to HSF’s goal of ensuring that one person in every Latino household receives a college degree.”

To increase participation and drive awareness of the program, GHRA and Coca-Cola created bilingual, point-of-sale signage and product displays that were featured at 1,500 GHRA locations throughout the Houston area.

“It’s important to GHRA to champion initiatives that support education and the development of our local Hispanic communities,” said Rahim Momin, President, GHRA. “Working collaboratively, and leveraging the Coca-Cola and HSF partnership, GHRA can have a greater impact on local communities. Every day, we’re focused on promoting the Houston community in which we live and operate.”

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, the world’s most valuable brand, our Company’s portfolio features 15 billion dollar brands including Diet Coke®, Fanta®, Sprite®, Coca-Cola Zero™, vitaminwater®, POWERADE®, Minute Maid®, Simply™, Georgia® and Del Valle®. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparking beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, juices and juice drinks. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of 1.8 billion servings per day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support healthy active lifestyles, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the countries in which we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world’s top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system employees. For more information, please visit www.thecoca-colacompany.com or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo.

About the Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Founded in 1975, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund believes that the country prospers when all Americans have access to the opportunities a college education can afford. As the nation’s leading Hispanic higher education fund, HSF works to address the barriers that keep many Latinos from earning a college degree. HSF has awarded more than $330 million in scholarships over the past 36 years and has supported a broad range of outreach and education programs to help students and their families navigate collegiate life, from gaining admission and securing financial aid to finding employment after graduation. HSF envisions a future where every Latino household will have at least one college graduate, creating an enduring impact on the college outlook of Latino families nationwide, and strengthening the American economy for generations to come. For more information about the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, please visit www.HSF.net.

About the Greater Houston Retailers Cooperative Association, Inc.

The GHRA was established in 1999 for the benefit of its members who own independent Convenience Stores in and around Greater Houston area. GHRA‟s mission is to provide sustainable value to Independent Convenience Store Members and our Supplier Partners through collaboration and education using the highest ethical and moral standards while supporting the communities in which we live and work. Collectively, GHRA membership supports approximately 9000 local jobs. Almost one third of all convenience stores in the Greater Houston area are members of GHRA. Current membership stands over 1500, which spreads over 40 counties, therefore making it the largest association of its kind. GHRA also provides members with opportunities for professional growth through educational and service-oriented training programs. For more information, visit www.ghraonline.com.

Coca-Cola Refreshments of Houston
Jennifer Amundsen, +01.713.669.3126
jamundsen@coca-cola.com
or
Greater Houston Retailers Association
Karim Ali, +01.281.295-5300
info@ghraonline.com

Source: The Coca-Cola Company

Released September 13, 2012