BPOP Popular Inc

Banco Popular (NASDAQ: BPOP) today announced its continued commitment to the National Puerto Rican Day Parade's Scholarship Leadership Project by awarding 20 more scholarships to high school graduates for outstanding academic achievement and leadership. For the seventh consecutive year, Banco Popular will award $1,000 to 20 students. Since 2003, Banco Popular has contributed $140,000 in scholarships to 140 of New York's brightest scholars pursuing post-secondary education.

The 20 students will be honored Wednesday, April 29 at the National Puerto Rican Day Parade 2009 Scholarship Awards Reception, Marriott Marquis Hotel, 1535 Broadway, New York City, 6:30 PM.

The National Puerto Rican Day Parade's Leadership Development Project was launched in 1997 to identify, nurture, educate and prepare the Puerto Rican leaders of the next generation. The scholarships are based on financial need and awarded to high school students and graduates of Puerto Rican descent with exceptional academic performance and leadership skills.

"Banco Popular strongly supports helping fund the continuing education of our future leaders," said Michele F. Imbasciani, New York Region Executive, Banco Popular. "For the past seven years we've been committed to this initiative and believe it helps build a stronger foundation for the future of the Puerto Rican and Latino community."

"The scholarship program is just one of many ways we are committed to enhancing the future of our community," said Madelyn Lugo, Chairperson of National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Inc., the 501 (c) 3 organization created to promote cultural, education and economic opportunity for people of Puerto Rican descent. "We are very pleased to have Banco Popular share our encouragement for academic achievement and leadership."

About Banco Popular

Banco Popular North America serves the diverse needs of a diverse group of more than 350,000 consumer customers across the U.S. and over 30,000 business customers, delivering comprehensive financial services through its more than 130 branches in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Illinois and California. The bank provides financing to small businesses within its markets, as well as mortgage and consumer lending, and insurance and investment products through Popular Insurance. Banco Popular North America is a subsidiary of Popular, Inc. (NASDAQ: BPOP). For more information about Banco Popular North America, visit the company's Web site at www.bancopopular.com.

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CONTACT: Enrique Martel Banco Popular (787) 920-3121 Email Contact Fran Del Valle (212) 717-5499 Email Contact