American InterContinental University Online Announces Recipients of Inaugural AIU Working Woman Scholarship
February 11, 2009
Contact:
Tracy Baldwin
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tbaldwin@careered.com
Rewards six AIU Online students who overcame obstacles to pursue education
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. (Feb. 11, 2009) - American InterContinental University (AIU) Online student Carolyn Hudson has endured a lot in her life; she lost a daughter to cancer and was diagnosed with breast cancer just a few years later. Now as a grandmother, she has taken on the responsibility of caring for three grandchildren, working full time and going back to school.
In recognition of her determination and perseverance in the face of many obstacles, AIU announced today that Hudson was one of six AIU Online students named as the inaugural recipients of the AIU Working Woman Scholarship.
The scholarship was created in 2009 to provide working women who value career advancement with the opportunity to attend any degree program offered at AIU Online by receiving a full-ride scholarship with a value of up to $35,000*.
The AIU Working Woman Scholarship was awarded to the following recipients:
- Pat Kilzer of Dyersburg, Tenn., associate of arts in business administration
- Carolyn Hudson of Newport, N.C., associate of arts in business administration
- Mandy Passer of Holley, N.Y., master of business administration, operations management concentration
- Melinda Janeiro of Hendersonville, N.C., associate of arts in business administration
- Charlette Levell of Atlanta, Ga., associate of arts in business administration
- Benita Hayes of Ivanhoe, N.C., bachelor of information technology
"We are truly inspired by the drive and determination of these women," said Steve Tober, CEO of AIU and President of AIU Online. "They have overcome immense obstacles and demonstrate how an education at AIU can change a life. I hope this scholarship will get them one step closer to a brighter future."
Although these women come from different walks of life, they all have motherhood in common. For many of these women, improving life for their children was cited as the main reason for returning to school and applying for this scholarship. In fact, a recent AIU study reports that moms are nearly twice as likely as women without children to consider going back to school to improve job prospects due to the current economy.**
"This scholarship has helped me to fulfill my dream of getting a college education," said Hudson. "I am so grateful for this opportunity because I want to show my grandchildren that no matter your age or what you want in life, you can achieve it if you apply yourself and put in the work."
The winners were selected by a committee of AIU Online staff who reviewed the 106 applications that were received for this scholarship. The winners were notified via phone.
In order to qualify for this opportunity, applicants had to be female, work at least 20 hours a week and be enrolled in AIU Online seeking a post secondary degree. Candidates were required to submit a completed application, personal essay of at least 300 words but no more than 750 and a letter of recommendation from her current employer.
For more information on this and other scholarship opportunities offered by AIU Online please visit the course catalog at www.aiuniv.edu/financial_aid/grants_scholarships.aspx.
*Scholarship amounts vary by student and program and all selected candidates are required to agree to the terms and conditions set forth by AIU Online. Career success depends largely on student initiative, and individual experience and attitude. AIU Online does not guarantee employment, placement, or salary ranges.
**1030 Women 18 and older nationally representative of the US population were surveyed. Of the women surveyed 378 have children at home (are Moms). The survey margin of error is +/- 3.1.
About American InterContinental University
Founded in Europe in 1970, American InterContinental University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in programs such as business, IT, criminal justice and design at U.S. campuses in Atlanta, Houston, Weston, Fla.; an international campus in London; and an internet based online campus headquartered in suburban Chicago. The award winning AIU Online Virtual Campus was recognized as "Best of the Best" in the 2009 Computerworld Honors Program.
AIU is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. For more info visit www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org or call 312‐263‐0456.
AIU is a member of the Career Education Corporation (NASDAQ:CECO) network of universities, colleges and schools. For more info visit www.aiuniv.edu or www.aiuonline.edu.