March 4, 2009

	Sydney Hernandez, Neighborhood Longhorns student; Patricia Russey, Whataburger Director of Operations; Luis Murillo, Director of Programs with the Neighborhood Longhorns; and Kobie Hernandez, Neighborhood Longhorns student (left to right)

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas -- Whataburger is teaming up with the University of Texas to "Bring Home the W" in support of Austin students participating in the institution's Neighborhood Longhorns Program (NLP). As part of the program, Whataburger donates to the NLP scholarship fund each time the Texas Longhorns win a football game, men's basketball game and women's basketball game up to a total of $5,000 for the 2008-2009 school year.

The Neighborhood Longhorns Program is an educational incentive program conducted by UT's administration in the area of Vice President for Diversity and Community Engagement led by Dr. Gregory Vincent. It serves economically disadvantaged students in grades two through eight, identifying students' potential academic problems early and encouraging their overall personal and academic development by rewarding them with scholarships for their college education. The NLP operates within the Austin Independent School District (AISD) in 30 elementary and middle schools. UT students serve as mentors and tutors in the program, and UT student athletes and coaches serve as guest speakers and panelists during campus visits.

NLP students who meet or surpass all of the program's academic requirements receive a $100 scholarship placed in a savings account until they graduate from high school. Students must improve their overall reading level, maintain an 85 or above average in all classes and have excellent attendance to be eligible. Started in 1991 by UT Athletics as a community service outreach program, the Neighborhood Longhorns Program has served more than 25,000 AISD students and awarded approximately $500,000 in scholarships.

"We know how important UT athletics are to this community, and when they win, everybody wins with the NLP-Whataburger partnership," said Patricia Russey, director of operations for Whataburger Restaurants, LP.

This is the second year Whataburger has donated to the NLP, providing for 50 NLP $100 scholarships. At one of UT's men's and women's basketball home games this year, Whataburger and UT Athletics will present the NLP directors with a $5,000 check for the scholarships. Participants are also recognized during awards assemblies at all NLP schools.

Family-owned Whataburger has focused on its fresh, made-to-order burgers and friendly customer service since 1950, when company founder Harmon Dobson opened his first Whataburger restaurant in Corpus Christi. The small, wooden stand sold the enormous burgers for 25 cents each, and before the first week was out, lines stretched down the street. Today, the company has more than 700 locations in 10 states with sales of more than $1 billion annually.