New York, NY (March 4, 2003) -- Scholastic's National Service Organization, the largest private employer in Jefferson City, Missouri was awarded a PR News 2002 Corporate Social Responsibility Award, honoring companies who have taken corporate social responsibility to a higher level with innovative campaigns and ongoing programs.  Awarded by PR News, a leading industry newsletter, the program is one of few that recognize corporate responsibility as an essential goal for a company.  Scholastic was honored in the category of Diversity Communications for its partnership with Lincoln University, a historically black college of 3,100 students, that consists of sponsorships, scholarships and book donations.  Scholastic will also be honored for its partnership with Lincoln University by the president of the institution, Dr. David Henson at the “First Annual President’s Award Gala and Auction” on March 22^nd in Jefferson City, Missouri.
 
“Scholastic has taken a proactive role in its commitment to racial, ethnic and religious diversity.  We are proud of our ongoing partnership with Lincoln University and honored to be recognized for the program.” said Ron Williams, Vice President of Scholastic Employee Services in Jefferson City. “Keeping with our company’s 82-year history and corporate credo that pledges to uphold the basic freedoms of all individuals and to help build a society free of prejudice and hate, Scholastic continues to implement programs that benefit people of all ethnic backgrounds.”

With the help of Scholastic’s partnership, Lincoln University, a four-year public institution located in Jefferson City, Missouri, has established a new Children’s Center within the University Page Library for students and local teachers. Scholastic furnished the library and continues to build the growing book collection each month. The partnership with Lincoln University also fosters recruitment opportunities for students to participate in Scholastic’s Jefferson City workforce, with such benefits as tuition and book reimbursement. Scholastic also sponsors numerous writing and student awards programs where Scholastic employees serve as judges and on several Lincoln advisory committees. 

Scholastic’s National Service Organization exhibits its extraordinary community involvement with additional local partnerships. Scholastic provides the Parents as Teachers (PAT) Organization in Jefferson City with speakers, curriculum materials and literature for parents and children.  Scholastic also sponsors a program in the Neosho elementary schools that recognizes outstanding achievement of faculty, staff and volunteers each month. In addition, Scholastic’s long term commitment to the Missouri community is evident in its summer book donation program, which provides employees’ children’s schools with a donation of three books per student for summer reading, reaching over 150 schools.

About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation (NMS: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, textbooks, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries, and television networks; and the Company's Internet Site, www.scholastic.com

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