Bridgepoint Education and the Cox Kids Foundation Fill 3,000 Student Backpacks with Supplies

Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE: BPI), a provider of post-secondary education services focused on providing higher access to higher education, recently became an active sponsor in a program that donated backpacks and supplies to 3,000 students in Southeast San Diego. In partnership with the Cox Kids Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Cox Communications, Bridgepoint Education gifted more than $7,500 of goods in the effort.

The backpacks were distributed to students during the New ERAA (Everybody Recommitting to Academic Achievement) Back to School Conference, a day of free workshops for students and parents designed to provide the tools needed to ensure success in school at all grade levels. During the conference, the 3,000 backpacks and supplies were distributed to students by the conference co-founder and organizer, Pazzaz, Inc., a nonprofit organization committed to helping inner-city youth overcome academic obstacles to succeed in school and life.

 “As these fine young people begin their new school term, we are happy to help provide the equipment they need for a successful academic year,” said Dr. Jane McAuliffe, chief academic officer of Bridgepoint Education. “Since Bridgepoint Education’s mission is to make education accessible, the opportunity to help with this effort was a natural for us.”

Added Zoneice Jones, president and co-founder of Pazzaz, “We were so pleased to have Cox Communications and Bridgepoint Education partner with us as we strive through New ERAA to make education a priority in our families' homes.”

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. For more information about Bridgepoint Education, visit www.bridgepointeducation.com or call Shari Rodriguez, director of Public Relations at 858/668-2580.

About the Cox Kids Foundation

Since it was established in 1999, the Cox Kids Foundation has raised more than $3 million for San Diego County children and families in the areas of health and social services, education, and conservation. The Cox Kids Foundation is funded by more than 1,000 Cox Communications employees who donate a portion of each paycheck to the foundation. Employee contributions are then matched 100% by Cox Communications.

About Pazzaz, Inc.

Pazzaz, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the future prospects of youth through customized academic and self-development programs. The non-profit provides a variety of programs designed to promote personal achievement and self-determination for youths within the inner-city community. In keeping with its motto, “Innovate to Elevate, Elevate to Educate,” Pazzaz helps thousands of under-served at-risk children with free and low-cost tutoring, homework assistance, family counseling, classroom support and college preparation. For more information, visit www.pazzaz.org.