WASHINGTON, D.C. – President George W. Bush today recognized five outstanding volunteers with the President’s Volunteer Service Award during the 80th celebration of African American History Month at the White House.

Dr. Carl Anderson is a volunteer with the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity’s Alumni Chapter in Washington, D.C. Twenty-two years ago he helped create the Kappa Endowment Fund, a scholarship program for deserving seniors attending public high schools in the District of Columbia. Each scholarship recipient must demonstrate financial need, have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher, and be involved in school and community activities. Carl served for ten years as president of the endowment fund, which has awarded $540,000 in scholarships to more than 300 promising students. Funding for the scholarships is generated in part, from the annual Celebrity Auction and Soul Food Feast. Dr. Anderson has been chairman of this event for 22 years.

To read the President’s remarks, please visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/02/20060222-6.html.

In his January 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush called on all Americans to make a difference in their communities through volunteer service. He created USA Freedom Corps, an Office of the White House, to strengthen and expand volunteer service. Americans are responding to the President’s Call to Service. Go to www.volunteer.gov or call 1-877-USA-CORPS to find an existing volunteer service opportunity in your area or to find more information about service programs, including national service programs such as the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Citizen Corps. USA Freedom Corps is also highlighting youth volunteer service. Visit www.volunteerkids.gov for games and ideas designed to show how America's youth are making a difference.

The President's Volunteer Service Award was created at the President’s direction by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. The Award is available to youth ages 14 and under who have completed 50 or more hours of volunteer service; to individuals 15 and older who have completed 100 or more hours; and to families or groups who have completed 200 or more hours. For more information about the Award, please visit www.presidentialserviceawards.gov.

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