PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC®)( )and the McDonald's Owner/Operators of the Greater Philadelphia Region are seeking qualified applicants from the Greater Philadelphia Region to enter the RMHC Scholars program; the RMHC/Future Achievers® program for African American high school seniors; and the RMHC/HACER®( )program for Latino high school seniors. Fifteen (15) total scholarships are awarded for each program, two (2) at $5,000 and thirteen (13) at $1,000.

RMHC offers college scholarships to all high school seniors who demonstrate academic achievement, community involvement, financial need and plan on attending a two- or four-year college during the next academic year.

"RMHC scholarship winners are inspiring young leaders who excel in the classrooms while volunteering in their communities," said John Durante, President of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philadelphia Region, Inc. "We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and to help make the dream of a college education a reality for students who may not otherwise attend college."

Applicants will be asked to submit a high school transcript, a letter of recommendation and a personal statement detailing their background and community involvement. Applications are available in high school guidance offices and must be completed and postmarked by no later than February 16, 2010. Students, parents or educators can download an application or apply online at www.rmhc.org. For additional information regarding any of the scholarships, please call the scholarship hotline at (215) 790-4320.

ABOUT RMHC

In addition to the scholarship programs, 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. RMHC of the Philadelphia Region, Inc. supports three McDonald Houses; the St. Christopher's Foundation for Children Ronald McDonald Care Mobile and non-profit organizations benefiting children through grants. RMHC receives support from McDonald's Corporation, McDonald's Owner/Operators, corporate donors and McDonald's customers. For more information, visit www.rmhc.org.

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. There are nearly 300 McDonald's restaurants in the Greater Philadelphia Region. For more information on McDonald's visit www.mcdonalds.com or log on at any of the 10,000 Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants. Visit www.mcstate.com for local restaurant, career and program information.

    Contact: Jennifer Slobotkin
    Tierney
    215-790-4338 (Office)
    215-360-1447 (Cell)
    jslobotkin@tierneyagency.com

SOURCE Ronald McDonald House Charities