DENVER, Jan. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Indian College Fund today received a grant of almost $200,000 from Morgan Stanley. The two-year grant provides funding for two new scholarships aimed at increasing American Indian participation in the financial services industry.

The new programs are the Morgan Stanley Tribal College Scholars Program and the Morgan Stanley/American Indian College Fund Scholarship and Career Development Program. The Tribal College Program will award scholarships to American Indian students currently enrolled at one of the nation's 32 tribal colleges or universities. The Scholarship and Career Development Program will award scholarships to outstanding American Indian students currently enrolled in four-year degree programs at any accredited college or university in the
U.S. and who have an interest in a possible career in the financial services industry. Internships may also be available to the four-year students.

"We are extremely honored to receive such a generous gift from a company that is making an impact on the future of Indian people," said Richard B. Williams, executive director of the College Fund. "As we move further into the 21st century, the ripple effect of these scholarships will be felt in Indian communities for generations to come."

Morgan Stanley is proud to provide needed financial resources to support Indian students. We hope the young people chosen to be Morgan Stanley Scholars will benefit from the support and feel boundless in their career goals. We are excited about our deepening partnership with the American Indian College Fund, and appreciate their hard work in bringing this program to life."

Established in 1989, the American Indian College Fund ( http://www.collegefund.org ) has spent more than a decade helping to increase educational opportunities for Native students. With its credo "educating the mind and spirit," it distributes scholarships and support to tribal colleges across the country. This aid supports more than 5,000 students in achieving their college education. The College Fund also supports endowments, developmental needs and public awareness, as well as college programs in Native cultural preservation and teacher training.

Morgan Stanley is a global financial services firm and a market leader in securities, investment management and credit services. With more than 700 offices in 28 countries, Morgan Stanley connects people, ideas and capital to help clients achieve their financial aspirations.