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Students at a Paying for College Bus Tour stop, Reading PA

Nationals' Home Runs score $100,000 in scholarships for D.C.-area kids

Sallie Mae Fund Program Will Help Local Students Access a College Education

Reston, Va., Oct. 28, 2005—The home runs slugged by the Washington Nationals this season scored more than just runs for the home team. They also netted nearly $100,000 in scholarships for local kids through a college scholarship program created by The Sallie Mae Fund.

The Sallie Mae Fund, a charitable organization sponsored by Sallie Mae, donated $750 for each home run—and $5,000 for each grand slam—hit by the Nationals to The Sallie Mae Fund Home Runs for College Scholarships Fund. The Fund donated an additional $8,000 to bring the amount raised through the scholarship fund to an even $100,000.

"The Sallie Mae Fund is committed to helping students realize their college dreams," said Kathleen deLaski, president, The Sallie Mae Fund. "We are thrilled that the excitement of the Nationals' inaugural season will last well beyond this year for many students throughout our home town."

"The Washington Nationals are pleased that The Sallie Mae Fund has utilized its partnership with the Nationals to help raise money for kids to go to college," said Tony Tavares, team president, the Washington Nationals. "We look forward to continuing our partnership with The Sallie Mae Fund."

December 1 is the deadline for scholarship applications. The Sallie Mae Fund Home Runs for College Scholarships Program will award $2,000 scholarships to financially-needy high school seniors or college students who are D.C.-area residents and who have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher. Applications are available online at www.salliemaefund.org.

The Sallie Mae Fund, a charitable organization sponsored by Sallie Mae, achieves its mission—to increase access to a post-secondary education for America's students—by supporting programs and initiatives that help open doors to higher education, prepare families for their investment, and bridge the gap when no one else can. For more information visit www.salliemaefund.org.