BRENTWOOD, Tenn., March 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ:TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retail store chain in the United States, today announced it will continue to expand its partnership with Women in Technology Tennessee (WiTT) by sponsoring a third annual scholarship program benefiting women in Computer Information System (CIS) majors, this year at Columbia State Community College. WiTT is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating new possibilities for women to advance and succeed in technology careers.

"Tractor Supply is dedicated to supporting the next generation of talented female leaders in this extremely important field of study by providing financial and work experience opportunities that encourage their growth and pursuit of technology focused careers," said Robert Mills, Tractor Supply's Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer. "We're thrilled to be expanding our partnership with WiTT and working with Columbia State's talented team."

The scholarship program was established in 2017 by WiTT in coordination with Tractor Supply to support passionate female students in the CIS field. The expansion of the scholarship program to Columbia State Community College supports the overall mission of the program to celebrate and encourage female students to pursue their interests in CIS as a long-term career.

The scholarship will aim to increase opportunities in computer information technology for female students at Columbia State Community College through financial donations, mentorship by professional women working in the technology field, a Tractor Supply internship at the Company's headquarters in Brentwood, Tenn. and a one-year WiTT membership. Tractor Supply is also exploring additional partnership opportunities with Columbia State's rapidly growing CIS program in an effort to develop and hire local Information Technology professionals.

"This scholarship is a great step in continuing to build the technology community by opening doors to deserving students," said Chris Henson, Director of Fund Development at Columbia State. "We are excited to partner with these two strong organizations to benefit our students."

WiTT's President Mara Lamont, added, "Our work together with Tractor Supply has a real and important impact on the lives and futures of these students. Gaining access not only to financial support but also to mentorship and internship experience shines a light on the great possibilities they have to pursue their potential. We're excited to continue our progress on these important initiatives."

For more information on WiTT, please visit www.wittn.org. Students at Columbia State Community College who are interested in being considered for the scholarship can contact the Financial Aid Office at (931) 540-2588 or tkrouse@columbiastate.edu.

About Tractor Supply Company
Founded in 1938, Tractor Supply Company is the largest rural lifestyle retail store chain in the United States. Tractor Supply stores are focused on supplying the lifestyle needs of recreational farmers and ranchers and others who enjoy the rural lifestyle, as well as tradesmen and small businesses. Stores are located primarily in towns outlying major metropolitan markets and in rural communities. The Company offers the following comprehensive selection of merchandise: (1) equine, livestock, pet and small animal products, including items necessary for their health, care, growth and containment; (2) hardware, truck, towing and tool products; (3) seasonal products, including heating, lawn and garden items, power equipment, gifts and toys; (4) work/recreational clothing and footwear; and (5) maintenance products for agricultural and rural use. At December 30, 2017, the Company operated 1,685 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states and an e-commerce website at www.tractorsupply.com.

Tractor Supply Company also owns and operates Petsense, a small-box pet specialty supply retailer focused on meeting the needs of pet owners, primarily in small and mid-size communities, and offering a variety of pet products and services. At December 30, 2017, the Company operated 168 Petsense stores in 26 states. For more information on Petsense, visit www.petsense.com.

About Columbia State Community College
Columbia State Community College is a two-year college serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with five campuses, including Columbia, Williamson, Lawrence, Lewisburg and Clifton. Columbia State was established in 1966 as Tennessee's first community college.

About Women in Technology of Tennessee
Women in Technology of Tennessee (WiTT) is a community committed to promoting women in technology through scholarships, education, community outreach, and networking. Every dollar WiTT receives for membership fees goes towards granting scholarships to women pursuing science, technology, engineering, or math degrees. For more information, or to become a member, please visit www.wittn.org.