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DALLAS, Nov. 8, 2011 – Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) one of the world’s leading casual-dining restaurant companies and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the nation’s largest and most effective education assistance organization, have announced a new partnership with the creation of the Brinker International/UNCF Scholarship Program. The program will help reduce financial barriers to higher education for low-income, diverse college students majoring in culinary arts or other foodservice-related industries. Scholarships valued up to $2,000 will be awarded to qualifying students who apply by Thursday, Dec. 29.

“UNCF is sincerely grateful to Brinker International for their support of our higher education mission,” said UNCF Area Development Director Diane Stephenson. “This scholarship will help ensure deserving, yet financially disadvantaged students can attend college and obtain the skills and knowledge to have successful careers in the foodservice industry. We salute Brinker for their investment in our nation’s youth.” 

UNCF’s mission is to serve youth, the community and the nation by supporting students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs; strengthen its member colleges and universities; and advocate for the importance of education. Since its inception, UNCF assistance has enabled more than 350,000 students to graduate from partnering colleges and universities.   

“Brinker’s commitment to diversity and inclusion at a company-wide level inspires our team members’ dedication to each other, our guests and the communities we serve,” said Doug Brooks, president, CEO and chairman of Brinker International. “Our partnership with UNCF furthers this commitment, while serving to encourage students’ continued interest of pursuing careers in the foodservice industry.”

Eligible students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, be enrolled full-time at a UNCF or other accredited four-year college or university, have a financial need and submit an essay on their interest in the foodservice industry.

For more information visit the “For Students” section of at www.uncf.org or contact UNCF Program Services at (800) 331-2244. To support UNCF scholarships or other programs, please visit http://give.uncf.org/dallas or contact UNCF local office at (972) 234-1007.

About UNCF

UNCF—the United Negro College Fund—Is the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students' education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 38 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 21 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at more than 900 colleges and universities across the country. The organization’s logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and the widely recognized motto, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste."^® Learn more at www.UNCF.org. Donations can be sent to UNCF 501 Elm Street Suite 700, Dallas, Texas 75202.

About Brinker International

Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), is one of the world's leading casual dining restaurant companies, serving more than 1 million guests daily. Founded in 1975 and based in Dallas, Texas, Brinker owns or franchises more than 1,500 restaurants in 32 countries and two territories. Brinker restaurant brands include Chili's^® Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy^®. Brinker also holds a minority stake in Romano's Macaroni Grill^®. For more information, visit www.brinker.com.