News

On Monday night at a gathering of industry executives, PepsiCo Foundation announced a gift of $350,000 to create a new program, Pathways to the Future, at Portland State University. In addition, PepsiCo challenged food industry retailers in attendance to give $150,000 for scholarships which PepsiCo Foundation will match for a total PepsiCo gift of $500,000. PepsiCo Sales President Al Carey presented the gift to PSU during his keynote address at the Food Industry Leadership Center’s (FILC) annual “Executive Forum” at the Embassy Suites in Tigard, Ore.

The primary goal of Pathways to the Future, a diversity-focused program housed in PSU’s Food Industry Leadership Center, is to attract and prepare minority high school and college students for careers within the retail, food, beverage and consumer products industry. The Pathways program mirrors PepsiCo’s corporate commitment to diversity and will use a multi-tiered approach focused on building industry and community partnerships and creating opportunities for students.

“Retailers and consumer products companies like PepsiCo can benefit, greatly, by attracting young diverse leaders into our industry,” said Al Carey. “We feel that the new PSU Pathways Program will be an excellent way for us to educate young diverse students about our industry and hopefully move them into successful careers. Our gift along with the support of our retail partners will get this initiative off the ground successfully.”

The gift for the Pathway’s program is a natural fit for Portland State University as it also supports President Daniel O. Bernstine’s University-wide Diversity Initiative, and PSU’s position as the most diverse University in Oregon. The funds also support the University’s $100 million “Building Our Future” fundraising campaign.

“Student success and access to education is a top priority for Portland State University,” said Daniel O. Bernstine, president of Portland State. “PepsiCo’s gift further supports the University’s priorities and delivers new and unique opportunities for our diverse student population.”

For more information on the PepsiCo Foundation gift or the FILC, contact Trina Robertson in the School of Business Administration at 503-725-3758.

The Food Industry Leadership Center (FILC) at Portland State University is housed in the School of Business Administration and is one of only six programs in the nation providing educational and research programs for the food industry — the largest employment industry in the state of Oregon. Since the FILC’s founding in 1994, more than 500 processors, manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers have participated in various programs.

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Source:
Trina Robertson (503-725-3758)
School of Business Administration

For Immediate Release (#05-144)