TLB Talbots (The)

Talbots Inc. today announced the launch of its 2006 Women's Scholarship Program, a fund that annually awards $100,000 in college scholarships to outstanding women seeking a bachelor's or associate's degree later in life. "Our scholarship program recognizes remarkable women who have overcome life-altering circumstances and yet remain determined to pursue an education for a chance at a better life," stated Arnold B. Zetcher, Talbots Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are honored to be able to support these women in achieving their goals." Sponsored by The Talbots Charitable Foundation, The Talbots Women's Scholarship Fund annually awards five $10,000 scholarships and fifty $1,000 scholarships to women throughout the U.S. Each year, Talbots selects a distinguished Board of Judges to choose the nation's top five winners. For 2006, the Board of Judges includes Cathy Guisewite, award-winning, internationally syndicated cartoonist of CATHY; Martina McBride, multi-platinum, award-winning country music artist; Dear Abby, internationally syndicated advice columnist; Robin Roberts, anchor for "Good Morning America" and longtime sportscaster for ESPN; and Alice Sebold, best-selling author of Lucky and The Lovely Bones. Applications for the scholarship are available at all Talbots U.S. stores, and can be downloaded online at http://www.talbots.com/about/scholar/scholar.asp. Eligible applicants must be women currently residing in the United States who earned a high school diploma or GED at least 10 years ago; are currently seeking a degree from an accredited 2- or 4-year college, university or vocational-technical school; and have at least two full-time semesters or 24 credits remaining to complete their undergraduate degree. The postmark deadline for entries is January 3, 2006, or until 1,000 eligible applications have been received, whichever is earlier. Scholarship recipients will be notified by the end of July 2006. Since its inception in 1997, the Talbots Women's Scholarship Fund has awarded college scholarships to 440 women ranging in age from their late 20's to their early 60's. The Talbots Charitable Foundation serves the community through its support of the arts, education, health and civic services. Talbots (NYSE:TLB) is a leading national specialty retailer, cataloger and e-tailer of women's, children's and men's classic apparel, shoes and accessories. The Company offers its merchandise through its nearly 1,100 specialty retail stores located throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, a catalog operation with a worldwide circulation of over 45 million and an online shopping site located at talbots.com.