With the start of the new school year, employees at Bridgepoint Education and Ashford University banded together to help feed hungry school children in San Diego. The “Back to School” food drive, held Aug. 5-30, yielded a total of 12,247 pounds of food to benefit the Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank.
“Typically, our organization holds the food drive during the holidays. However, this year, we moved it from December to August to align with the food bank’s Food 4 Kids Backpack Program, which provides children on the free lunch program with food for the weekend,” said Jennifer Love Bruce, associate vice president of community relations at Bridgepoint. “This change proved to be a great success in helping to fight hunger in San Diego.”
Bridgepoint Education and Ashford University raised 25 percent more food in 2013 compared to the amount raised in 2012. To encourage donations and engage employees in the effort, the organization held a sculpture contest where groups competed to build the best schoolhouse made out of canned goods.
“The Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank deeply appreciates the partnership and commitment of the entire Bridgepoint Education team for a successful food drive,” said James Floros, president and chief executive officer of Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank. “Our sincerest thanks for helping those in our community that struggle to get enough to eat.”
For more information about the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program, visit sandiegofoodbank.org.
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 associates, 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 Ashford University
Ashford University is defining the modern college experience by combining the heritage of a traditional campus with the flexibility and effectiveness of online learning. The University provides a vibrant learning community where high-quality programs and leading-edge technology create a dynamic, immersive and stimulating learning experience. The University offers practical and progressive associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online, as well as bachelor’s degree programs at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. Ashford University – where heritage meets innovation. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Winet Rodriguez, vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.