SAN DIEGO, June 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE:BPI) , a provider of postsecondary education services focused on providing higher access to higher education, announced today the launch of Ashford University's Auto Industry Grant Program. The program is designed to help currently employed and recently laid-off General Motors, Chrysler and Ford employees transition into the next phase of their careers.
"While the economic downturn has affected the entire nation, it has been especially devastating to major automotive manufacturing hubs, including Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois," said Andrew Clark, chief executive officer of Bridgepoint Education. "To combat this workforce displacement, we are pleased to do what we can to support a group of individuals who historically have been major contributors to the U.S. economy."
"We understand that the best chance autoworkers have to build new careers will come through advancing their education. Our faculty and administrators look forward to welcoming General Motors, Chrysler and Ford employees to Ashford University," said Dr. Jane McAuliffe, president of Ashford University and chief academic officer for Bridgepoint Education. "With high quality academic preparation, we believe these individuals will be better equipped to contribute to the revitalization of the economy."
Individuals employed or laid-off by Chrysler, Ford and General Motors between Jan. 1, 2008, and Sept. 30, 2009, are eligible for the Auto Industry Grant Program. To participate in the program, individuals must enroll and begin class work by Sept. 30, 2009.
The Auto Industry Grant drops the regular undergraduate tuition price per credit hour at Ashford University by 30 percent, from $354 to $250
Learn more about the Ashford University Auto Industry Grant Program by visiting www.ashford.edu/auto or calling 800-554-9085.
About Bridgepoint Education
Bridgepoint Education's postsecondary education services focus on offering associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in the disciplines of business, education, psychology, social sciences and health sciences. Bridgepoint Education's regionally accredited academic institutions - Ashford University and University of the Rockies - deliver their programs online as well as at traditional campuses located in Clinton, Iowa, and Colorado Springs, Colorado, respectively. For more information about Bridgepoint Education, visit www.bridgepointeducation.com or call 866-475-0317.
About Ashford University
Founded in 1918, Ashford University is a coeducational institution regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, with programs in education, business, accounting, criminal and social justice, computer animation and graphic design, and other areas. The University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as a range of student activities and athletics, at its Clinton campus. Online degree programs are available in education, organizational management, business administration, and psychology. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable on-campus and online programs, with tuition fees among the lowest in the U.S. compared to other private institutions. For more information on Ashford University, visit www.ashford.edu or call 866-711-1700.
Source: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
CONTACT: Diane Salucci, Vice President, Corporate Communications and
Investor Relations, Bridgepoint Education, Inc., +1-858-668-3690,
diane.salucci@bridgepointeducation.com; Shelley Pfaendler, Vice President,
KCSA Strategic Communications, +1-212-896-1248, spfaendler@kcsa.com
Web Site: http://www.bridgepointeducation.com/
http://www.ashford.edu/