Ashworth College Partners with Education for Advancement to Deliver Online Education to Caribbean

Expanded partnership kicks off with scholarship competition and will award more than 20 full-paid one-year college scholarships

NORCROSS, Ga., July 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ashworth College, a recognized leader in online education, today announced that it has expanded its partnership with Education for Advancement (EFA). As part of the relationship, Ashworth (http://www.ashworthcollege.edu) will be funding more than 20 one-year online college degree scholarships for residents of 18 Caribbean countries currently serviced by EFA.

Since 2007, Ashworth and EFA have delivered career-relevant online degree programs to the Caribbean.  Compared to similar college programs, the partnership provides students with an accredited, online learning model as well as a physical presence in key Caribbean markets. The latter affords students the added advantage of engaging in local inductions, study groups, workshops and faculty visits. Through the new scholarship program, the two companies take their relationship to the next level.

"With EFA, Ashworth has the opportunity to expand its Caribbean footprint by offering more residents an affordable, quality, online education," said Gary Keisling, Ashworth Chairman and CEO. "In addition to our Associate degree programs, we also offer a range of Bachelor's and Master's degree programs that are relevant to the major industries in this area, such as banking, finance, construction management and tourism."

What is encouraging for Ashworth and EFA is the value placed on higher education throughout the Caribbean. The average student has been known to invest nearly 25% of their net salary toward a college education. That Ashworth's tuition is as much as 55% less than other online institutions, students will be paying less over time for a comparable degree.

"We support EFA's mission to bring a world-class education to residents of the Caribbean," said Dr. F. Milton Miller, Ed.D, Ashworth Vice President, Education. "There was a time when students who were looking for specific degrees would consider studying abroad. Now we can help them earn a quality education while remaining with their families in the Caribbean."

"Our Caribbean students are thrilled with their programs," added Dr. Miller, referencing a recent trip where he had the opportunity to meet with several current Ashworth students and alumni. These sentiments are consistent with 2010 data from EDU Research Group where Ashworth students expressed a level of satisfaction towards their college experience that was equal to or higher than graduates and students from Penn Foster, DeVry, Kaplan, University of Phoenix, and Strayer.

Ashworth College and EFA Launch Scholarship Program

Through EFA, residents of the Caribbean have the opportunity to apply for one-year scholarships in one of Ashworth College's Associate or Bachelor's Degree programs during the 2010-2011 academic year. The scholarships have a combined value of $50,000.

"In these tough economic times, scholarship money can make the difference between someone working on their college degree now or having to delay their educational goals due to limited finances," said Dr. Miller.

Scholarship recipients will have access to Ashworth College's entire catalog of self-paced degree courses which include business, accounting, finance, early childhood education, construction management and criminal justice. Ashworth offers students more than 100 accredited, self-paced programs in today's most relevant career fields.

To apply, prospective students must complete an application, provide transcripts and submit an essay detailing how a college degree will make a positive impact in their life. Instructions are located on the EFA website (www.efalearning.com). Applications must be submitted by August 20, 2010.

"We make the process of obtaining a degree online a smooth, meaningful and engaging experience for Caribbean residents," said John Evans, EFA President. "Our team is on hand to guide students throughout the process…from registration to graduation…and now to also provide access to the scholarships from Ashworth College."  

About Education for Advancement

Education for Advancement (EFA) was created to make access to global education a local process. EFA has partnered with internationally accredited colleges and universities to promote and support a range of over 100 programs to over 2,000 active students.

Headquartered in Florida, EFA supports dedicated teams located throughout the Caribbean, offering students a range of support services to make studying by distance learning a cost effective and viable alternative to classroom study. This includes local inductions, study groups, workshops and faculty visits to the region from our academic partners.

About Ashworth College

Headquartered in Norcross, GA, Ashworth College, a leader in online education, offers students worldwide more than 100 online degrees, online certificate programs, online career training and online high school diplomas. 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. For more information, visit http://www.ashworthcollege.edu.

Ashworth is a Sterling Partners portfolio company. Sterling, a private equity firm with a 25-year history of generating superior returns invests in industries with positive, long-term trends and provides ongoing support with a diverse and balanced team of industry veterans, operators, investors, strategy experts, and human capital professionals. For more information, please visit www.sterlingpartners.com.

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Dr. F. Milton Miller

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Gary Keisling

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SOURCE Ashworth College