Research has revealed that African Americans are more likely to hold the majority of their money in savings and checking accounts and that they tend to be more conservative investors and generally start investing in the stock market later in life. This is attributed primarily to the lack of adequate and relevant information flow within the African American community. There is, however, a growing interest and demand within this community for high-quality financial information. Salomon Smith Barney developed this initiative to provide greater access to sophisticated financial information to the African American audience.

The FFELP provides guaranteed loans to students and families nationwide. In a recently issued report for fiscal year 2000, (October 1, 1999 - September 30, 2000), SLC originated $2.06 billion in student loans to become the #1 lender.

SLC's total portfolio of education loans is now $16.8 billion. This includes nearly $900 million in private student loans that are designed to complement the government program.

"We are thrilled to achieve the #1 spot in the federal student loan program," said Bill Beckmann, Chairman, The Student Loan Corporation. "Our business differentiates itself by combining superior products, technology and service with a first-class team and reputation."

SLC has aggressively leveraged technology to enhance delivery and improve service. As one of the first lenders to introduce the use of the Internet for student lending, SLC remains an industry leader in electronic delivery options through its web site, www.studentloan.com that includes:

CitiAssist Online - the online application and credit approval process for SLC's private loans. More than 50% of SLC's CitiAssist applications in 2000 were received online.

Stafford Online and PLUS Online services - letting students and parents apply and get approved for Stafford and PLUS loans online.

Online Account Access - providing customers with interactive tools and information to help them manage their student loan accounts and stay current with payments online.

SLC has more than 150,000 registered online users and, during peak season, had more than 1 million monthly page views of its Internet site.

Employees of Citigroup can take advantage of special rebates and discounts on student loans through SLC's Citigroup Preferred Employee Program. To learn more about the discounts available to you and your family, visit the Employee Store at citiweb.citicorp.com/estore.

Salomon Smith Barney is a global, full-service investment banking and securities brokerage firm. The firm's 12,127 financial consultants are located in more than 500 offices across the United States, and they service over 7.1 million client accounts, representing more than $1 trillion in client assets. Salomon Smith Barney is a subsidiary of Citigroup.

Citigroup's Global Corporate and Investment Bank brings together Citibank, the world's most global corporate bank, and Salomon Smith Barney, a leading global investment bank and securities brokerage firm. Together they provide complete financial solutions to corporations, governments, institutions and individuals in 100 countries. Award-winning businesses include corporate and investment banking services, investment advice, financial planning and commercial insurance products. Salomon Smith Barney's top ranked equity research analysts track nearly all the S&P industry groups and hundreds of mid-and small-cap stocks globally.

Salomon Smith Barney is a subsidiary of Citigroup. Citigroup (NYSE: C), the preeminent global financial services company, provides some 120 million consumers, corporations, governments and institutions in more than 100 countries with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, insurance, securities brokerage and asset management. Other major brand names under Citigroup's trademark red umbrella are Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, and Travelers. Additional information may be found at: www.citigroup.com.

SalomonSmithBarney is a service mark of Salomon Smith Barney Inc. Member SIPC.