”We are proud to collaborate with Advance America to provide this initiative for aspiring African-American business executives who deserve an opportunity  to serve on corporate boards,” said Marc H. Morial, president and CEO of National Urban League. “With Advance America’s support, the National Urban League will be able to equip qualified professionals with the tools and training they need to be successful in the boardroom.”

The Director Inclusion Initiative, a part of the nationally acclaimed Professional Director Certification Program, will be led by experts in the fields of governance and responsibility, audit practices and executive issues. The program will begin on October 13, 2010, and will accommodate approximately six to eight participants. Each candidate must qualify through an application process and review of their previous executive-level experience, education and references. Participant scholarships will be provided for program tuition, travel and lodging.

“We at Advance America believe this is a unique opportunity for publicly held corporations to have a bank of pre-screened, certified, diverse candidates who are capable and ready to serve on their boards,” said William Webster, chairman of the Board of Directors for Advance America. “As a board chairman, I fully appreciate the value of this initiative and I applaud the National Urban League for having the foresight to provide this much needed service to corporate America.”

About The National Urban League

Founded in 1910, The National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment, working to promote elevated standards of living in historically undeserved urban communities.   Today, there are more than 100 local affiliates in 36 states and the District of Columbia, providing direct services that impact and improve the lives of more than 2 million people nationwide. Please visit www.nul.org for more information.

About Advance America

Founded in 1997, Advance America, Cash Advance Centers, Inc. (NYSE: AEA) is the country's leading provider of cash advance services, with approximately 2,500 centers and 72 limited licensees in 32 states, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The Company offers convenient, less-costly credit options to consumers whose needs are not met by traditional financial institutions. The Company is a founding member of the Community Financial Services Association of America (CFSA), whose mission is to promote laws that provide substantive consumer protections and to encourage responsible industry practices. Please visit www.advanceamerica.net for more information.