SOAR Founder Susan Kruger Named Winner of Prestigious Oakland County 'Elite 40 Under 40' Competition

DETROIT, Feb. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Susan Kruger, M.Ed., best-selling author of SOAR® Study Skills and founder of SOAR Learning, Inc., has recently been announced as the winner of Oakland County's "Elite 40 Under 40" competition. Created by County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, the award honors those living or working in Oakland County who have both excelled in their field and meaningfully, substantially contributed to the betterment of the community. More information about "Elite 40 Under 40" is available here: www.AdvantageOakland.com/Elite40.

Kruger is the third winner of the "Elite 40 Under 40" award; on February 12, she will introduce Patterson at his State of the County address at the Centerpoint Marriott in Pontiac. Included in Kruger's deluxe prize package are a feature article or video about her work in Oakland County Prosper, tickets to attend three high-profile county events, and free promotion on www.AdvantageOakland.com.

Kruger earned her spot in the class of 2014 by creating a highly successful and effective study skills curriculum. Drawing on her own experience of "learning how to learn," she began developing her program more than 15 years ago as a tutor for individual students. Her unique approach to studying and learning proved successful even with students who had chronically underperformed due to learning disabilities. As word of mouth led to greater demand for Kruger's services, she created the SOAR® Study Skills Workshop to make the lessons more widely available.

The cornerstone of Kruger's curriculum is the emphasis on what she calls "relevant education," namely the focus on skills that help students understands and succeed in the modern workplace. In 2007, she published a book, "SOAR Study Skill: A Simple and Efficient System for Getting Better Grades in Less Time," that has become the best-selling study skills guide in the world for five years running (according to Amazon.com).

Giving back to the community is the other half of the equation in the "Elite 40 Under 40" competition. To that end, Kruger's organization has also helped to create jobs locally within Oakland County. SOAR Learning, Inc. employs five full-time staffers and several part-time interns in addition to vendors and suppliers. An internship program with nearby Oakland University and Oakland Community College attracts those who are interested in building their "soft skills" in preparation for careers in education or business.

Leila M. Matta and Zack Sklar joined Kruger as the three finalists from this year's competition. Matta is the Brand Identity, Design and Art Programs Manager with Mercedes-Benz Financial Services; Sklar is chef and owner of two local restaurants. All three finalists have made significant positive impacts in the communities of Oakland County.

In 2012, Patterson created the "Elite 40 Under 40" competition to identify the "best of the best" in Oakland County. By helping young people prepare to navigate the fast-paced, knowledge-based economy of the future, Kruger has earned her membership in this year's class of young, civically minded business people. Her receipt of the "Elite 40 Under 40" award solidifies the great work and powerful results that her organization continues to realize.

http://www.oakgov.com/news/Pages/pr_14_17.aspx

About SOAR Learning, Inc.

SOAR Study Skills (http://studyskills.com) is the brainchild of Susan Kruger, M.Ed., who is a certified learning specialist and former struggling student. Growing up with learning disabilities, Susan was shocked when she simplified a few study skills in college — and graduated with a 3.9 GPA. Since then, she has taught thousands of students how to achieve the same sense of accomplishment and confidence with study skills. Susan is the author of the international bestselling study skills book, "SOAR Study Skills." Her curriculum materials are used by over 2,000 schools nationwide and in 14 countries.

Contact:

Susan Kruger, M.Ed.
SOAR Learning, Inc.
248-202-0689

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SOURCE SOAR Learning, Inc.