Ford Motor Company Fund Donates $25,000 to Scholarship Fund on Behalf of Ford Freedom Award Scholar Al Jarreau

· Ford Presents $25,000 to University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Foundation

· Donation to Support Teacher Education Students in Jarreau's Hometown

MILWAUKEE, Wis., December 27, 2005; The Ford Motor Company Fund recently presented $25,000 to the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (UWM) Foundation on behalf of musical stylist Al Jarreau during a ceremony at the UWM School of Education. Funds will be earmarked for the Thomas Cheeks Scholarship Fund, which awards scholarships to students pursuing degrees in teacher education.

"Education is the key to success, and Ford is committed to supporting initiatives that provide students with access to resources that will help them achieve their academic potential," said Sandra E. Ulsh, Ford Motor Company Fund president. "We are proud to assist Ford Freedom Award Scholar Al Jarreau in his efforts to make the dream of obtaining a college education possible for students in his hometown."

Jarreau designated the UWM Foundation as the recipient of the donation as part of his selection as the 2005 Ford Freedom Award Scholar. Earlier this year, Jarreau and songstress Ella Fitzgerald, the Ford Freedom Award recipient, were honored for their contributions to the arts and for using their talents to build bridges and promote unity throughout the world.

"This award has taken on new meaning," said Jarreau. "Ford has given me an opportunity to reinforce the value of education and enhance the financial resources made available to future teachers studying at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. After all, their knowledge will be passed on to our children."

Jarreau impressed many with his unique voice style and innovative musical expression. His career exploded with his debut album "We Got By" (1975), and a progression of successful albums earned him superstar status and an international following. He is the only singer ever to have won a Best Vocalist Grammy in three separate and distinct categories: jazz, R&B, and pop.

"We are extremely proud of Mr. Jarreau's career accomplishments and grateful that he selected UWM for this honor," said Dean Alfonzo Thurman, School of Education, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. "Because he designated this award gift to UWM, we can continue to educate those students who have expressed a desire and passion to teach future generations of children."

Now in its seventh year, the Ford Freedom Award program supports the educational programs, exhibits, and community outreach initiatives of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the world's largest institution dedicated to preserving African American history and culture. The museum is located in Detroit.

Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, supports programs that enhance and enrich the communities where Ford Motor Company does business. Ford Motor Company Fund is committed to creating educational opportunities that stimulate creativity and promote cultural diversity. In 2004, Ford Motor Company Fund contributed more than $50 million to educational pipeline initiatives and cultural programs, including nationally touring exhibitions and performing arts events. For more information on programs made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund, visit www.ford.com.