PHOENIX, October 27, 2008 — University of Phoenix is launching its 2008 Paying It Forward scholarship program by encouraging its hundreds of thousands of alumni to “pay forward” their success to individuals whose lives could be improved by completing a college education.

The annual program was established to celebrate the more than 30 years that University of Phoenix has successfully helped working students achieve their higher education goals.

“The economic downturn is making it particularly difficult for many people to afford college,” said Nancy Hennigan, Director of Community Relations, Apollo Group. “This scholarship program expands access to higher education and may in some small way provide relief to those experiencing diminished investments and home equity, tightened credit, and layoffs.”

To date, the University has helped 400,000 alumni achieve the dream of earning a degree through its more than more than 100 associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in business and management, criminal justice and security, education, human services, nursing, health care, psychology, technology, and arts and sciences.

Paying It Forward scholarships are applied to tuition and resources needed to complete an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program at University of Phoenix. The value of the scholarship will vary based on the degree program selected and transfer credits of each recipient.

Nominations will be accepted until November 14, 2008, and recipients will be announced in January 2009. For more information, visit http://payingitforward.phoenix.edu.

ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX

University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Through flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning, students achieve personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold. As of August 31, 2008, 362,100 students were enrolled at University of Phoenix, the largest private university in North America. University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world.

Contact

Wendy Paul
wendy.paul@phoenix.edu
847.458.9773