$150,000 in Scholarships Awarded by MassMutual

This year, MassMutual awarded $2,500 and $5,000 scholarships to 31 high achieving college students to help them pursue their higher education dreams. Student applicants were evaluated on their academic performance, commitment to education, and financial need, as well as a personal essay in which many shared poignant stories about their desires to achieve a degree and their need for assistance.

One of this year's recipients is Bianca Morris, a student at Texas A&M University - San Antonio majoring in Business Administration and Management. Morris is also a second time MassMutual scholarship recipient, having received the scholarship last year. She says one of her goals after college is to become the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Morris' application touched on her challenges including losing her home to fire last year, but still carrying on with her education. "Although I had trials and tribulations this past school year, I remained steadfast and stayed the course because I knew that I had people who invested in me, and I wanted to show my appreciation and reach my goals," she said.

"I'd like to congratulate all of this year's MassMutual Scholars," said Nick Fyntrilakis, Vice President of Community Responsibility at MassMutual. "It is rewarding to know that so many students are diligently working towards obtaining a college degree and that the MassMutual Scholarship can help them get there."

The MassMutual Scholars program aims to increase college access to students nationally, as well as raise awareness of careers in financial services. It is one of many initiatives in MassMutual's Community Responsibility programs, which provided more than $7 million in charitable contributions in 2013.

To learn more about all of MassMutual's Scholarship programs and community responsibility initiatives visit www.massmutual.com/education.