Ashworth College Introduces the Gary Keisling ACCESS Scholarship Program

NORCROSS, Ga., Dec. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ashworth College (http://www.ashworthcollege.edu/), a leading online school, today announced the introduction of the Gary Keisling ACCESS Scholarship program in recognition of the school's former president and chief executive officer's dedication and contributions to both Ashworth College and the field of distance education. Ashworth plans to annually award up to $25,000 in tuition scholarships in his name beginning in 2012.

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"We're pleased that we can honor Gary in this manner," said Dr. Leslie Gargiulo, Ashworth College's Vice President of Education. "It's fitting that we recognize his commitment to education and pay it forward." Gargiulo went on to explain that the scholarship's name ACCESS is an acronym for Ashworth College Continuing Education for Student Success which reflects Keisling's personal and professional mission to offer underserved populations historically having limited access to educational opportunities or an accredited diploma or degree that is both affordable and accessible.

Having served in an executive capacity for more than 25 years, Keisling is highly regarded as an industry leader and influential advocate for the benefits of distance education. In addition to his current role at Ashworth College where he serves as Chairman of the Board, he previously served on the Distance Education and Training Council's (DETC) Board of Trustees from 1989 until 1998 and held the positions of First Vice President, President and Vice Chairman. He was presented with DETC's Distinguished Service and Distinguished Recognition Award for his dedication to distance education.

"Ashworth College's inauguration of the Gary M. Keisling ACCESS Scholarship program is a fitting tribute to one of the most visionary, creative and effective leaders in all of American higher education of the last 30 years," said Michael P. Lambert, Executive Director, Distance Education and Training Council. "Gary, through his near-flawless leadership of two distinguished distance education institutions, has touched the lives of many millions of Americans who, without the opportunities provided by his institutions, might never have otherwise had the chance to learn new skills or gain new academic credentials."

A graduate of Temple University, Keisling and his wife live in Clarks Summit, PA where they both enjoy being active within the local community and make it their mission in life to help family and others. A father of three, he has a passion for golf and fishing.

Gary Keisling ACCESS Scholarship program

Founded in 2011, the Gary Keisling ACCESS Scholarship program will offer up to 22 scholarships each year to new diploma and degree students who are interested in pursuing their education online in one of Ashworth's 115+ high school, career and degree programs.

To be considered for an ACCESS Scholarship, all applicants must submit an application and an original 250-500 word essay. High school and degree applications may also require past transcripts reflecting a 3.0 GPA or equivalent. All applications are due by February 1 and recipients will be announced on March 1.

This year Ashworth will award 10 full ride high school scholarships, 10 career diploma scholarships, and one semester's tuition each to an associate and a bachelor's degree program.

First time students may apply for a high school or career diploma scholarship. Transfer students may apply for a high school or college degree scholarship. Existing students may only apply for a college degree scholarship.

About Ashworth College and James Madison High School

Ashworth College, a leading online school, has built a tradition of excellence spanning 25 years, offering students worldwide more than 115 online college degrees, online certificate programs and online high school diploma options that are affordable and fit the busy schedules of working adults. Ashworth also offers military education online as well as specialized programs for corporate partners and homeschoolers.

Headquartered in Norcross, GA, Ashworth is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The Accrediting Commission of the DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. James Madison High School is further accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). For more information, visit http://www.ashworthcollege.edu/.

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Dr. Leslie Gargiulo, Ph.D.
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SOURCE Ashworth College