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DECATUR, Ill.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) is pleased to announce that the company is the recipient of the Jobs for Americaas Graduates (JAG) aTop Corporate Investor of the Yeara award for its commitment to supporting the JAG program with jobs, financial support and leadership roles on state and National JAG Boards of Directors.

"For decades, the company has quietly, but dramatically, invested in the rural youth of America through a wide variety of scholarship programs and opportunities for training and employment in locations where, often, the opportunities for education and good quality jobs are few or nonexistent."

The award was presented by the Board of Jobs for Americaas Graduates during JAGas National Leadership Awards Luncheon, held on Nov. 17 in Washington, D.C. Michael DaAmbrose, senior vice president, Human Resources, accepted the award on behalf of ADM. More than 650 guests, including business leaders, legislators and students attended the luncheon.

aOn the short list of Americaas great corporations that have made helping young people succeed in school and on the job a priority, and especially those facing special challenges in their lives, few have matched the remarkable commitments of ADM,a said Ken Smith, President of JAG. aFor decades, the company has quietly, but dramatically, invested in the rural youth of America through a wide variety of scholarship programs and opportunities for training and employment in locations where, often, the opportunities for education and good quality jobs are few or nonexistent.a

aOn behalf of ADM, we are truly humbled to receive this distinguished honor and for the opportunity to serve alongside JAG and build awareness that education is not only vital, but fundamental to our shared vision for the future,a said DaAmbrose.

This vision includes helping the U.S. strengthen its leadership in manufacturing by working with students so they can obtain industry-recognized credentials helpful in finding manufacturing jobs. JAG has committed to help 30,000 high-risk youth obtain professional credentials over the course of five years.

aThrough this effort, students will now be able to train and receive credentials that are recognized across state lines and throughout the industry, which is positive for workers, for ADM and for the industry as a whole. ADM has agreed to recognize these training certifications when we recruit as well as meet with other industry partners to help educate and influence them to use these certifications as well,a said DaAmbrose.

ADM was one of only five organizations to receive recognition as a Top Corporate Investor. ADM supports educational initiatives, such as JAG through ADM Cares, its social investment program. ADM began its financial contributions to JAG in 1994, in addition to time and resources. Since then, ADM has donated $1.285 million to JAG.

Established in 1980, Jobs for America's Graduates is a school-to-career program in middle schools, high schools, alternative schools and community colleges across the country. JAG's mission is to keep young people in school through graduation and provide work-based learning experiences that will lead to career advancement opportunities or to enroll in a postsecondary institution that leads to a rewarding career. It has served over 800,000 high-risk youth achieving over 90 percent graduation rates across 33 states and 900 schools.

About ADM

For more than a century, the people of Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) have transformed crops into products that serve vital needs. Today, 30,000 ADM employees around the globe convert oilseeds, corn, wheat and cocoa into products for food, animal feed, chemical and energy uses. With more than 265 processing plants, 400 crop procurement facilities, and the worldas premier crop transportation network, ADM helps connect the harvest to the home in more than 160 countries. For more information about ADM and its products, visit [ www.adm.com ].