2008 Scholarship Applications Now Available HINGHAM, Mass., Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Talbots today announced the launch of its eleventh annual Talbots Women's Scholarship Fund, a program that awards $100,000 each year in college scholarships to women seeking a bachelor's or associate's degree later in life. Sponsored by the Talbots Charitable Foundation, the Talbots Women's Scholarship Fund awards five $10,000 scholarships and fifty $1,000 scholarships to women throughout the U.S. each year. Since its inception in 1997, the Talbots Women's Scholarship Fund has awarded close to one million dollars in college scholarships to over 500 women ranging in age from their late 20's to their early 60's. Each year, Talbots enlists the volunteer support of accomplished women from a range of fields to help select the five finalists. The 2008 Board of Judges includes: -- Evelyn Ashford - Renowned American sprinter and five-time Olympic Champion -- Rita Cosby - Emmy Award-winning television host and author -- Judge Marilyn Milian - Host of television's "The People's Court" -- Peggy Northrop - Editor-in Chief, More Magazine -- Lyn St. James - Former professional Indy 500 race car driver and motivational speaker -- Terrie Williams - Founder and President, The Stay Strong Foundation, inspirational author and mental health advocate Past Scholarship Fund Judges have included: Caroline Kennedy, Blythe Danner, Naomi Judd, Martina McBride, Alfre Woodard, and Joyce Carol Oates. "Each year, the scholarship recipients represent women who have had to hold off on their life-long dreams and have now chosen to pursue a college education later in life," said Trudy F. Sullivan, Talbots President and Chief Executive Officer. "The women demonstrate a strength and determination that is truly remarkable, and we are thrilled to both recognize and celebrate their ambition through Talbots Women's Scholarship Fund." Applications for the Talbots Women's Scholarship are now 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 2, 2008, or until 1,000 eligible applications have been received, whichever is earlier. Scholarship recipients will be notified by the end of July 2008. The Talbots Charitable Foundation serves the community through its support of the arts, education, health and civic services. Founded in 1947, Talbots is a leading specialty retailer, cataloger and e-tailer. Known for its classic approach to fashion and service, Talbots currently operates over 1,100 stores throughout the U.S., Canada and the U.K. Toll-free catalog shopping is offered at 1 (800) 825-2687, and online shopping is available at http://www.talbots.com/. http://www.thetalbotsinc.com/ corporate/press http://www.talbots.com/ online shopping DATASOURCE: Talbots CONTACT: Phil Tracey, Talbots Public Relations, +1-781-741-7114, ; or Melissa Jaffin or Sana Javaid of Berns Communications Group, LLC for Talbots, +1-212-994-4660 Web site: http://www.talbots.com/ http://www.thetalbotsinc.com/ http://www.talbots.com/about/scholar/scholar.asp

Copyright