OXNARD – Boys & Girls Clubs alumni Kara Brown was one of 20 recipients nationwide to receive a full-tuition scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and University of Phoenix to complete an undergraduate or master’s degree. More than 200 Boys & Girls Club staff, parents and alumni applied for the scholarship opportunity, the organization reported in a media release.
“Serving youth is the number one priority here at BGCA, and it’s great to see such a wonderful opportunity for the staff, parents and alumni that are so devoted to our young people,” Judith J. Pickens, senior vice president for BGCA’s Program & Youth Development Services, stated in the release. “Thanks to the support of University of Phoenix, we are able to reward these people for all their hard work and dedication to our movement.”
Brown is the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme’s Entrepreneurship Program coordinator and has led the College Bound program. She will be pursuing a master of management degree from the University of Phoenix School of Business.
“Being a part of the Boys & Girls Club has already been reward enough, so being offered this scholarship is just too good to be true. I’m proud to be in the movement and it’s been an amazing experience to have played a role in the success of so many young people,” Brown said. “I’m looking forward to the challenge of being back in school and am honored to be an ambassador of the Boys & Girls Club.”
University of Phoenix is seeking 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 Kara Brown and all the recipients with full-tuition scholarships to University of Phoenix because each emulates the drive and motivation to be good citizens in their communities,” said Dr. Bill Pepicello, president of University of Phoenix. “Their connection to BGCA means they believe, like we do, in making this world a better place for young people across the country.”
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 on BGCA’s partnership with University of Phoenix, visit http://bgca.org/newsevents/PressReleases/Pages/Univ_Of_Phoenix_110211.aspx
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme is leading a new, community-wide movement to give children hope, motivation and the tools to become happy, responsible, caring adults. BGCOP values caring, excellence, communication, innovation and leadership. Since 1954, we have linked children with a safe, positive place to grow into productive citizens. We give youth support through life-enhancing programs in academics, character and leadership development, healthy lifestyles, sports, fitness and the arts. Learn more atpositiveplace4kids.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, nearly 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs serve some 4 million children and teens 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. Clubs provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and 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 bgca.org/facebook and bgca.org/twitter.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is seeking 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. 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 phoenix.edu