MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Rasmussen College, a regionally accredited private college, is celebrating its first anniversary as a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) under the platform "Building Community Through Education." The College adopted the status in January 2014, becoming one of the first higher education institutions to do so. The effort formalized Rasmussen College's 115-year commitment to meeting the needs of the community, whether through education or service. By officially becoming a Public Benefit Corporation, the College was able to expand on its established commitment to serve the community through career-focused education and volunteer efforts that meet the diverse needs of individuals.

2014 Public Benefit Corporation Impact
In 2014, Rasmussen College graduates filled more than 2,000 employment positions in their local communities. The College also connected more than 4,200 students, alumni and community members with local employers at its biannual Community Career Fairs that took place across 23 different locations. Year one impacts also include:

• Proudly investing in more than 10,000 hours of community service, in addition to 4,400 hours volunteered in one day during the annual Community Service Day hosted by the College.
• Donating nearly 19,000 hours of free community meeting space across its campus locations to local community, corporate and civic organizations. That translates to an economic value of $606,000.
• Inspiring thought leadership with graduates and community members through the Rasmussen Leadership Academy and Leadership Breakfast series.
• Sponsoring more than 200 Chicago Public School students in Dual Degree and Patient Care Tech Certification programs.

"Rasmussen College is in a unique position to create invaluable connections between our students, graduates, employees and community groups for the public good," said Dr. Trenda Boyum-Breen, incoming president at Rasmussen College. "Our PBC commitment starts with our students by providing innovative career-focused education that changes lives and expands to the communities in which we serve. We are very proud of the impact we've had in our inaugural year as a PBC, and we look forward to expanding on our PBC initiatives and making an even greater impact in 2015."

2015 Initiatives
As one of its first PBC efforts in 2015, Rasmussen College is launching a Community Partnership Program across its 24 campuses and three central offices. Each campus and central office will partner with a local organization, such as a workforce center, school or nonprofit, to provide service throughout the year. The partnerships will support professional development through education and career advancement as well as provide a deeper understanding of the needs of the community.

"Our faculty and staff are passionate about engaging directly with members of our communities," said Tamryn Hennessy, vice president of Career Services and Public Benefit Initiatives at Rasmussen College. "The Community Partnership Program will result in an additional 8,000 hours of service in our local communities this year, in addition to the annual Community Service Day. We also hope it will give the College greater insights on how we can make a bigger impact as a PBC."

PBC efforts are an integral component of the mission of Rasmussen College and efforts will continue throughout 2015, including the biannual Community Career Fairs and annual Community Service Day. The College will also look to add other programs in 2015 that bring to life its commitment to "Building Community Through Education."

ABOUT RASMUSSEN COLLEGE:
Rasmussen College is a regionally accredited private college and Public Benefit Corporation that is dedicated to changing lives through high-demand educational programs and public service. Rasmussen College offers Certificate and Diploma programs through Associate's and Bachelor's degrees online and across its 24 Midwest and Florida campuses in a supportive, student-centered and career-focused environment. Since 1900, Rasmussen College has been dedicated to being a primary contributor to the growth and development of the communities it serves. As a Public Benefit Corporation, Rasmussen College is committed to helping change lives through education and making a positive impact on society through public service and a variety of community-based initiatives. For more information about Rasmussen College, please visit www.rasmussen.edu.

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SOURCE Rasmussen College

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