SAN DIEGO, April 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Saturday, April 20, was designated as "Heroes Day" for employees of Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE:BPI) and its two academic institutions, Ashford University and University of the Rockies. More than 400 employees in three states – plus friends and family members – volunteered their time to improve the communities in which they live.

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"The hard work and dedication demonstrated by employees this weekend was impressive. It's evident that employees really embrace our giving mission and the spirit of enriching lives and improving our communities," said Andrew Clark, chief executive officer at Bridgepoint Education. "I am proud of the positive impact our organization has had, and will continue to have, on the communities we serve."

In San Diego, Calif., employees from Bridgepoint Education and Ashford University banded together to beautify the San Diego River Garden in East Mission Valley. Nearly 300 employees armed with rakes, shovels, and wheelbarrows worked with representatives from the San Diego River Park Foundation to remove weeds and debris, repair fences, mulch and water plant beds, and create nature trails.

"Bridgepoint Education and Ashford University demonstrated a real commitment to the community by joining us to enhance the River Garden in Mission Valley," said Rob Hutsel, executive director at the San Diego River Park Foundation. "We were especially thrilled that so many kids participated in the event. It was a wonderful day."

In Clinton, Iowa, home of the Ashford University campus, Ashford staff, faculty, and students cleaned up a three-mile stretch of Millcreek Parkway. More than 60 representatives from the University picked up trash, including a chainsaw, a propane gas tank, dirty diapers, and even a discarded love letter.

The state of Colorado hosted two different Heroes Day events. Staff from the University of the Rockies campus in Colorado Springs worked with the Community Partnership for Child Development to clean, paint, mulch, and cut back shrubbery. Meanwhile, more than 60 representatives from Ashford University and University of the Rockies volunteered at the Mi Casa Resource Center in Denver. The volunteers painted the facility that houses Colorado's oldest and largest Latino-serving nonprofit organization.

Heroes Day is a biannual event held by Bridgepoint Education to give employees a chance to volunteer and contribute to their communities. Besides the organized events held in California, Iowa, and Colorado, employees and students in other parts of the country were encouraged to find volunteer opportunities close to home that they could participate in on April 20, as well.

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 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.

About University of the Rockies
University of the Rockies is an advanced graduate institution for tomorrow's thought leaders. The University provides an intimate and dynamic learning environment, offering highly specialized master's and doctoral degree programs in the social and behavioral sciences, access to industry experts, campus clinical programs for practical experience, and research and publishing opportunities. University of the Rockies is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (www.ncahlc.org). Small by design, University of the Rockies classes are presented in a progressive online format, at its Colorado Springs, Colorado, campus and at its Denver instructional site. For more information, please visit www.rockies.edu or call Shari Winet Rodriguez, vice president of Public Relations, at 866.621.0124 x2513.

SOURCE Bridgepoint Education, Inc.