Ronald McDonald House Sponsors Scholarship Program For Hispanic High School Seniors

RMHC(R)/HACER(R) Hispanic Scholarship Program Now Accepting Applications From High School Seniors

-- Program Has Awarded More Than $20 Million --

OAK BROOK, Ill., -- The Ronald McDonald House Charities®/Hispanic American Commitment to Education Resources (RMHC/HACER) Scholarship Program is now accepting applications from high school seniors through February 16, 2010. Seniors of Hispanic descent set to graduate in 2010 are encouraged to apply by downloading an application at www.meencanta.com or www.rmhc.org. High school counselors and college placement advisors can request applications by calling 1-866-851-3994.

Since 1985, RMHC/HACER has awarded more than $20 million in scholarships to Hispanic students on the basis of academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement. Awards range from $1,000 to $100,000.

"Ronald McDonald House Charities is proud to begin its 25th year of supporting the RMHC/HACER scholarship program through a strong collaboration with the entire McDonald's® system," said Marty Coyne, President and CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities. "We're very pleased that thousands of Hispanic students across the country have fulfilled their college dreams with the help of an RMHC/HACER scholarship and we look forward to continuing our long standing commitment to education and our future leaders."

RMHC/HACER is a program of Ronald McDonald House Charities and its local chapters. The program is supported through the efforts of local community leaders and the entire McDonald's system, including McDonald's Corporation, McDonald's owner/operators and suppliers.

In 2007, McDonald's began working with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund to conduct a series of workshops designed to help encourage greater Hispanic college enrollment. The free workshops provide parents and students with extensive information regarding the college application process, including financial aid and how to apply for scholarships, including the RMHC/HACER scholarship.

In addition to the local scholarships, RMHC awards four RMHC/HACER national scholarships of $100,000 each. One of the 2009 winners, Luis Duran, is currently attending Arizona State University. "This scholarship has been the most significant blessing in my life," said Duran. "I do not have to worry about not having enough money or anything else because the scholarship has made this and more to come in the future possible. I can focus on school and really be an inspiration and motivation to all the other students who wish to pursue a high education." Duran was recently featured in a commercial to help encourage other students to apply for the RMHC/HACER scholarship.

About McDonald's®

McDonald's USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. More than 80 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local franchisees. For more information on McDonald's visitwww.mcdonalds.com or log on at any of the 10,000 Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants.

About RMHC®

Ronald McDonald House Charities, a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Its programs are grassroots-driven to enable the Charity to offer help where children need it most: right in their own communities. RMHC makes an immediate, positive impact on children's lives through its global network of local Chapters in 52 countries and regions and its three core programs: the Ronald McDonald House®, Ronald McDonald Family Room® and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®. RMHC and its global network of local Chapters have awarded more than $460 million in grants and program services to children's programs around the world.

SOURCE McDonald's USA, LLC