Boys & Girls Clubs of America and University of Phoenix Award Full-tuition Scholarships

ATLANTA and PHOENIX, April 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Academic success is a key priority for Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), and with partners like University of Phoenix®, youth are receiving education opportunities to help them graduate from high school and prepare for college. However, many adults still require additional education opportunities to pursue their career goals, and Boys & Girls Club staff, parents and alumni are getting that chance.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121003/LA85714LOGO)

Thirty recipients nationwide have received full-tuition scholarships from BGCA and University of Phoenix to complete an undergraduate or master's degree. More than 250 Boys & Girls Club staff, parents and alumni applied for the scholarship opportunity. These recipients now join the 20 other recipients who received the full-tuition scholarship last year.

"The lifelong success of our members is the top priority at BGCA and we are pleased to once again have this wonderful opportunity for the alumni, parents and staff who devote so much time and effort to helping our young people with their educational goals," said Kimberly Boyd, vice president for BGCA's Program & Youth Development Services. "Thanks to University of Phoenix, we are able to reward these individuals with the chance to pursue their career goals and continue to be strong, educational role models for our youth."

University of Phoenix is committed to increasing access to education, especially for underrepresented and low-income students who may be underserved by traditional education structures. This effort provides a pathway for economic advancement for those who otherwise may not have one.

"We are proud to award all the recipients with full-tuition scholarships to University of Phoenix because each demonstrates the drive to be good citizens in their communities," said Dr. Bill Pepicello, president of University of Phoenix. "Their dedication to BGCA means they believe, like we do, in providing opportunities to access the education and knowledge learners at all levels need to be successful."

In addition to the scholarship program with University of Phoenix, BGCA partners with University of Phoenix Foundation to provide BE GREAT: Graduate, a program aimed to combat high school dropout among youth most vulnerable for dropping out of school. The three-year partnership focuses on helping young people at 10 Boys & Girls Clubs around the nation develop the academic, behavioral and social skills needed to be successful.

For more information about University of Phoenix scholarship opportunities, visit www.phoenix.edu/scholarships. For more information on Boys & Girls Clubs of America and their programs and impact on young lives across the country, visit GreatFutures.org.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,000 Clubs serve some 4 million young people annually through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native American lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at http://www.bgca.org/facebook and http://bgca.org/twitter.

About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning can help students pursue personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold. As the flagship university of  Apollo Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOL), University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit http://www.phoenix.edu.

SOURCE University of Phoenix