DECATUR, ILLINOIS, U.S. — Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM) announced on Nov. 22 that the company is the recipient of the Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) "Top Corporate Investor of the Year" award for its commitment to supporting the JAG program with jobs, financial support and leadership roles on state and National JAG boards of directors.

The award was presented by the Board of Jobs for America's Graduates during JAG's National Leadership Awards Luncheon, held on Nov. 17 in Washington, D.C., U.S. Michael D'Ambrose, 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.

"On the short list of America's 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," said Ken Smith, president of JAG. "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."

"On 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," said D'Ambrose.

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.