ABC Introduces "The Scholar"  4/29/05

ABC INTRODUCES "THE SCHOLAR," A GROUNDBREAKING, NEW UNSCRIPTED SERIES IN WHICH TEN HIGHLY QUALIFIED HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS COMPETE FOR A FULL COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP

Six Episode Series Premieres Monday, June 6

The opportunity of a lifetime is about to come true for one of America's best and brightest high school students in an original, new, one-hour unscripted series that will send the winner to a top-rated university, all expenses paid. Filmed on location at the University of Southern California, "The Scholar" will be the first show ever to celebrate higher education as the ultimate American prize. From award-winning producers Steve Martin, Joan Stein, Jon Murray ("The Real World," "The Simple Life"), Marcy Carsey and Tom Werner ("That '70s Show," "Roseanne," "The Cosby Show"), the six-episode series will premiere MONDAY, JUNE 6 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

For the chance at a full ride to the college of their choice, ten qualified high school seniors -- who might not otherwise have an opportunity to attend one of America's top universities -- will compete for a full scholarship, a prize valued at $250,000. They will have to demonstrate excellence in the areas of academics, leadership, creativity and community service, while facing sudden-death oral exams defending themselves to an Ivy League scholarship committee.

"The Scholar" contestants include:

Max C., Oakland, CA Alyssa D., Yuba City, CA Amari H., St. Charles, MO Melissa H., Tarzana, CA Davis L., Memphis, TN Scot P., New Freedom, PA Jerald T., Commerce, TX Jeremy T., Westminster, CA Liz W., Buhl, ID Milana Z., Fresh Meadows, NY

The $250,000 college scholarship will be donated by philanthropist Eli Broad.

Hosted by Rob Nelson ("The Rob Nelson Show," "The Mole II"), "The Scholar" was filmed in and around the Los Angeles-based campus of the University of Southern California.

"The Scholar," produced by Bunim-Murray Productions, Martin/Stein and Carsey-Werner, is a concept based on an original idea by Jaye Pace, Shannon Meairs and Waxman Williams Entertainment. Steve Martin, Joan Stein, Jon Murray, Marcy Carsey and Tom Werner will serve as executive producers.