DENVER, April 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 100 employees of Bridgepoint Education's (NYSE: BPI) two academic institutions, Ashford University and University of the Rockies, took to the bowling lanes on Thursday, March 28 to raise money for Junior Achievement (JA) - Rocky Mountain. In the end, employees raised a total of $12,200.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130405/LA89797)

The JA Bowl-A-Thon event took place at the AMF Monaco Lanes in Denver. Employees were asked to form teams with each team member pledging to raise a minimum of $100. A total of 97 employees signed up to fill the roster of 20 teams. Additional funds were raised for Junior Achievement through a 50/50 drawing at the event itself.

Ashford University and University of the Rockies involvement in the JA Bowl-A-Thon was part of a larger Bowl-A-Thon effort for the youth organization. It was Junior Achievement's 30th year to hold this campaign, which has become Junior Achievement - Rocky Mountain's largest fundraiser each year. This year's JA Bowl-A-Thon campaign is expected to bring in nearly $900,000 from participating companies and organizations. Among the nearly 100 organizations participating in this year's JA Bowl-A-Thon, Bridgepoint Education ranked 17th in terms of dollars raised.

"The JA Bowl-A-Thon was a fun way for our employees to give back to a great organization like Junior Achievement," said Mitch Thomas, Ashford University's vice president of the Denver Online Center. "Two of Ashford's philanthropic focus areas are youth and education. By supporting Junior Achievement, we are supporting an organization that provides valuable education to children throughout the region."

"A strong part of our university culture is to give back to the communities we serve," said Dr. Charlita Shelton, president of University of the Rockies. "We appreciate Junior Achievement's efforts to help shape the next generation of future leaders and we are happy to assist in their fundraising process."

Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated to educating students about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. It organizes in-school programs where business leaders are invited to speak directly to children in classrooms. Junior Achievement - Rocky Mountain, Inc. will provide programs for 107,000 students throughout metro Denver, northern Colorado and Wyoming during the 2012/13 school year. Junior Achievement's goal is to prepare students for economic achievement and success throughout their lives.

About Bridgepoint Education
Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE:BPI) improves the way individuals learn. By harnessing creativity, knowledge and proprietary technologies, such as Constellation, Thuze and Waypoint Outcomes, Bridgepoint Education has re-engineered the modern student experience with innovative solutions that advance learning. Its academic institutions – Ashford University and University of the Rockies – embody the contemporary college experience. Ashford University offers associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs while University of the Rockies offers master's and doctoral degree programs. Both provide progressive online platforms, as well as traditional campuses located in Clinton, Iowa (Ashford University), and Colorado Springs, Colorado (University of the Rockies). For more information about Bridgepoint Education, visit www.bridgepointeducation.com or call Shari Winet Rodriguez, vice president of Public Relations, at 858.668.2580.

About Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain, Inc. (JA)
Junior Achievement (JA) is the world's largest organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Through a dedicated volunteer network, JA provides in-school and after-school programs for students, which focus on three key content areas: work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. JA will provide programs to 107,000 students throughout metro Denver, northern Colorado and Wyoming during the 2012/13 school year. These programs are always free to schools thanks to more than 5,000 volunteers and the generous support of donors. For more information, visit www.JAColorado.org.

Contact: Shari Winet Rodriguez, Vice President of Public Relations
858.668.2580 · shari.rodriguez@bridgepointeducation.com

SOURCE Bridgepoint Education