CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Obtaining a college education will now be easier for students living within the Stripes operating market area thanks to the Stripes College Scholarship Fund, a program launched this week by Stripes Convenience Stores in order to make a difference for those students who are pursuing their educational goals.

"Last year, we raised $545,000 to award 545 local college students each with a $1,000 scholarship, thanks to the help of our passionate Stripes team members and generous customers," said Eduardo Pereda, vice president of marketing for Stripes LLC.  "As we look to the future, we believe that education is the key to unlocking the potential for success. It is our hope that by partnering with our customers and our team members, Stripes can positively impact our market areas by helping local students achieve their dreams of obtaining a college degree."

The goal in the second year of this company-sponsored campaign is to raise $600,000 to award 600 students in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma with $1,000 scholarships. All proceeds raised from the in-store campaign will be distributed to students in the 2015-2016 academic year.  Stripes is underwriting all administrative costs to run the scholarship program.

The in-store fundraising campaign launched this week, inviting customers to participate by donating as little as $1. Those who contribute will receive a recognition cut-out that will be displayed in the store, along with a free 12-ounce Slush Monkey coupon and a buy-one-get-one-free regular-size Snickers candy bar. The month-long in-store fundraising campaign will be held at all Stripes locations.