September 12, 2006

CONTACT:     Susan Miller

                    317.816.9760

                    smiller@hickmanassociates.com

Networks Financial Institute Surpasses $1M Scholarship Milestone

(September 12, 2006 – Indianapolis, IN) Effective with the 2006 class of Networks Scholars, Networks Financial Institute has awarded $1.2M in scholarships to students pursuing degrees in the financial services arena.  In August, the fourth class of Networks Scholars entered Indiana State University’s College of Business equipped with $20,000 in financial scholarships as well as supporting human and technological capital designed to enhance their college experience.

The Networks Scholars program was developed in 2003 by Networks Financial Institute at Indiana State University.  Beyond the financial resources, the Networks Scholars program provides students with a holistic overview to a career in the financial services community including an international visit to one of the world’s leading financial centers, a paid-internship with a firm in the financial services arena and a professional mentor, as well as a lap-top computer.  “Achieving success and maximizing the college experience takes more than financial resources. By creating an environment where students can learn from professionals, capture on-the-job experience and view the financial industry in a number of different settings, our Scholars receive a very integrated experience,” noted Liz Coit, executive director of Networks Financial Institute.

Sixty students have been awarded a Networks Scholars program since 2003.  The first class of Scholars will graduate spring 2007.  As part of the job preparation process, Networks Financial Institute provides Scholars with professional development opportunities including interview coaching.  According to Dr. Lloyd Benjamin, president of Indiana State University, Networks Financial Institute will stay in communication with Scholars post-graduation to learn of their successes and identify how the Scholars program may be strengthened.  “As these young professionals enter the work world, we’ll have an opportunity to benchmark their success and the value of the Networks program in preparing students for careers in the financial services arena,” he said.

Applications for the fifth class of Networks Scholars will be available in fourth quarter 2006.  Networks Financial Institute at Indiana State University was founded in 2003 with a grant from Lilly Endowment.  NFI strives to facilitate broad, collaborative thinking, dialogue and progress in the evolving financial services marketplace, concentrating on the areas of education, outreach and research.  Headquartered in Indianapolis with offices in Washington, D.C. and on the campus of Indiana State, and with outreach internationally, NFI’s goal is to serve as a catalyst for change in the financial services industry.

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