The Walmart Foundation Teams Up With the AARP Foundation to Help Unemployed Women Get Back to Work

WASHINGTON, August 17, 2009 — The AARP Foundation Women's Scholarship Program today announced a $1.5 million grant from the Walmart Foundation that will help 450 women aged 40 and up receive job training and educational opportunities that will help support themselves and their families.

"In this economy more than ever, workers need the right skills and training to increase their earnings potential. Women in particular don't always have the resources in the second half of life to access the education they need," said Robin Talbert, AARP Foundation president. "We are so pleased to work with the Walmart Foundation to provide underserved women with opportunities to expand their career options in later life."

The AARP Foundation Women's Scholarship Program provides scholarship funding to women with moderate-to-low-incomes and limited financial resources. Scholarships help women pay for public or private secondary school, including community colleges, technical/vocational schools and four-year universities. Winners can use funds for tuition, fees and books.

Nearly twice as many women as men will face poverty in their retirement years, according to data from AARP. AARP data also reports that women earn 77 cents on the dollar compared to men - which translates to an average of $250,000 less over their work lives to invest in retirement.

"The Walmart Foundation is committed to supporting workers in their efforts to gain access to job opportunities," said Margaret McKenna, president of the Walmart Foundation. "We are pleased to be a part of this project, which gives mature women the opportunity to continue to play a vital role in the workforce while providing for themselves and their families."

In 2008-- the Women's Scholarship Program's first year--more than 100 scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 were awarded. This year, more than 1,000 applications are under review and winners will be announced later this month. To be eligible for the scholarships, applicants must be:

* Women aged 40 or over;
* Able to demonstrate financial need; and
* Enrolled in an accredited school or technical program within 6 months of the scholarship award date.

To apply, women can visit http://www.aarpfoundationwlc.org/.

For more information on the Walmart Foundation and its workforce development efforts, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

AARP Foundation
The AARP Foundation is AARP's affiliated charity. Foundation programs provide security protection and empowerment for older persons in need. Low-income older workers receive the job training and placement they need to re-join the workforce. Free tax preparation is provided for low- and moderate-income individuals, with special attention to those 60 and older. The Foundation's litigation staff protects the legal rights of older Americans in critical health, long-term care, consumer and employment situations. Additional programs provide information, education and services to ensure that people over 50 lead lives of independence, dignity and purpose. Foundation programs are funded by grants, tax-deductible contributions and AARP.

For more information about the AARP Foundation, please log on to www.aarp.org/foundation.

About Philanthropy at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Walmart Foundation funds initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From February 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009, Walmart - and its domestic and international foundations - gave more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.