FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

U.S. Army SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST SPRINGS ONTO LOCAL SCHOOLS
High School and College Winners Receive $1,000 Scholarship

Washington, DC – February 7, 2006 – This spring, the U.S. Army will embark on a multi-city U.S. Army Stomping On The Yard Tour that will include a Future Funds essay contest among many other exciting activities.

Titled, “A Celebration of Leadership, Scholarship and Showmanship,” the Tour will visit twelve Colleges and Universities.  Students from each participating university and local area high schools will be invited to write an essay about how they are working to achieve their dreams and prepare for their future.
Two (2) winners—one high school and one college student—in each city the tour visits will receive a $1,000 Future Funds scholarship.

The U.S. Army Stomping On The Yard Tourwill also feature African-American fraternities and sororities facing off in fifteen Step Shows—dazzling performances that combine cheerleading, dance, military, and drill-team moves.

More than 100 teams will participate in this cultural celebration where participation, attendance and energy run high.

The U.S. Army Stomping On The Yard Tour will feature four components:

• The Future Funds Scholarship Contest;
• A Future Fair Career Symposium;
• A Yard Festival, featuring live artist performances, interactive games, vehicle displays and product demonstrations; and
• A Step Show Competition.

The Future Fair Career Symposium kicks off the week’s activities on the host university’s campus in each city.  Panelists will include African American business, community and civic leaders.

During the Future Fair panel discussions, students will have the opportunity to ask panelists how they chose their career and how their activities as an undergrad either helped or hindered their progress toward their career goals.

Lunch and a tour of the host university’s campus will follow the panel discussion/symposium.
Before each step show, the U.S. Army Stomping On The Yard Tour will host Yard Fests—activities that will include live artist performances, interactive games, vehicle displays and product demonstrations.
The final component of the Tour is a Step Show in which area fraternities, sororities and campus organizations will showcase their skills live, and on stage in front of enthusiastic audiences.

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