National Press Release

DENVER, Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Toyota Motor Sales, USA announced that it has renewed its commitment to American Indian education by donating $75,000 to the American Indian College Fund in support of scholarship grants. Toyota has also gifted $40,000 to support the Fund's annual Flame of Hope fundraising gala celebrating 40 years of tribal colleges and universities in New York City, to be held October 29.

Scholarship recipients are chosen based on their financial need, education enrollment status, and American Indian community involvement. Students were notified of their selection status in August 2008 for the 2008-09 academic year.

Richard B. Williams, President and CEO of the American Indian College Fund, said "We are indebted to Toyota for continuing their support, which empowers American Indian students to reach their dreams and transform their communities with an education."

Toyota has provided scholarship support since 1999. "We strongly believe that education can make a significant difference in today's youth," said JL Armstrong, Toyota Motor Sales, USA, national manager external affairs. "We are pleased to offer these opportunities in the Native American community, who consistently demonstrate a high value for education as well."

The American Indian College Fund supports qualified American Indian scholars by providing financial support to encourage them to remain in college and complete a college degree and build a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities.

About the American Indian College Fund

With its credo "Educating the Mind and Spirit," the Denver-based American Indian College Fund is the nation's largest provider of private scholarships for American Indian students for students seeking to better their lives and communities through education at the nation's 32 accredited tribal colleges and universities. For more information about the American Indian College Fund or to make a donation, visit www.collegefund.org.

About Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Since Toyota began selling cars in America, it has been committed to doing more than manufacturing and marketing vehicles. From family literacy and K-12th grade education, to higher education and technical and environmental education, Toyota continues to form partnerships with organizations, such as American Indian College Fund, to make a difference in classrooms and communities nationwide. Headquartered in Torrance, California, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., is the sales, marketing, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion in the United States. The company's main Web site is http://www.toyota.com.

SOURCE American Indian College Fund