Mar 02, 2009 - Claremont, Calif. - The Annenberg Foundation has committed a generous $1-million grant to Harvey Mudd College (HMC) for student scholarships.

Over the next three years, the foundation will fund the Wallis Annenberg Scholarships for Women in Science, Mathematics and Engineering for students who demonstrate academic merit, financial need and a record of leadership and service to others.

“This magnificent gift honors the achievements of outstanding women at Harvey Mudd College, and by adding to our resources for student scholarships in such a significant way it benefits all students at the college,” said HMC President Maria Klawe.

Since 2006, the proportion of female students at HMC has increased under Klawe’s leadership. In fall 2008, women made up 40 percent of the incoming class.

Approximately 30 Annenberg scholarships in amounts of no less than $10,000 will be awarded annually through the 2011-12 academic year to women at all levels of study.

A gift from the Annenberg Foundation in 2005 created HMC’s Annenberg Fund for Leadership Development, which brings distinguished leaders and scholars to campus to engage the community in important thought and discussion about the role of leadership in the world.

This year’s guest speakers include former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan; Wanda Austin, recipient of the 2009 Black Engineer of the Year Award; and several other notables. Click here for the full roster of the 2009 speakers.

The Annenberg Foundation was established in 1989 by Walter H. Annenberg, one of the nation’s leading publishers, broadcasters, diplomats and philanthropists who served as U.S. ambassador to Great Britain from 1969 to 1974.

With offices in Radnor, Pa., and Los Angeles, Calif., the foundation’s major philanthropic interests are education and youth development; arts, culture and the humanities; civic and community affairs; health and human services; and animal services and the environment.