Ford's Purchasing Diversity Council awards $15,000 in scholarships to 3 Cody students

DEARBORN, MI – Ford Motor Company’s Purchasing Diversity Council awarded $15,000 in scholarships to three Detroit Cody High School students who participated in the Ford Academy of Manufacturing Science (FAMS) program for 1999.

The event recognized the outstanding academic achievements and dedication of the scholarship winners, who completed the FAMS criteria of maintaining high academic scores, being involved community service and working for Ford as interns within the Purchasing Department. The 1999 winners of the FAMS Scholarship are Cynthia Stanfield, Terri Dooms and Donnetha Walker. Each of them will receive $5,000 to assist with their college expenses.

Stanfield, who had a 4.07 GPA, is headed to the University of Michigan and will major in Computer Information Systems; Dooms will attend Michigan State University to pursue an International Business degree; Walker will seek an Engineering major at the University of Detroit.

The FAMS program, which is part of Ford Purchasing's Diversity initiative, is in its third year of assisting and honoring business-minded students with educational awards. It offers them opportunities to experience purchasing, manufacturing and other business-related fields on a first-hand basis while still in school.

"This program allows Ford to provide business and social skills to students before they enter college," said Sonia Myles, Ford FAMS coordinator. "They are exposed to our work environment through internships, understand what is expected of them, and always meet or exceed our expectations."

The ceremony, held at Ford World Headquarters, was hosted by Carlos Mazzorin, Group Vice President of Purchasing and Ford of Mexico, and other Purchasing Diversity Council members.

As part of the Purchasing program, classes are held with Ford speakers at Cody High to provide 10th, 11th and 12th graders with insight on various topics ranging from: choosing a university, career options, dressing for success, and developing strong professional skills. The speakers visit Cody High on Fridays to speak with various FAMS classes.

In addition, in-depth professional development discussions, from how to write and prepare a resume to interpersonal communication, are provided to 12th graders to prepare them for college and the workplace. Each year during the spring, the entire 11th grade class spends a half day with Ford Purchasing personnel to learn about Ford and Purchasing.