Deadline Set for Kaplan Leadership Program

- Scholars to Submit Application by February 1, 2010 -

NEW YORK--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--The Kaplan Educational Foundation has announced a February 1, 2010 deadline for students interested in joining the fifth cohort of its Kaplan Leadership Program. Scholars chosen for this unique leadership program will receive financial support to pursue a bachelor’s degree after successful completion of their two-year associate degree. Additionally they are afforded a comprehensive range of individualized services including transfer guidance, full-time counseling, academic tutoring, leadership training, mentoring, job placement support and cultural enrichment opportunities to excel in their curriculum and beyond. Applicants must be currently enrolled in accredited two-year associate degree programs in the New York City area.

“The program’s very design is to help motivated students who for any number of reasons might be challenged to complete their current two-year coursework and move on to a four-year degree”

The Kaplan Educational Foundation established this program in 2006 and since then has achieved a record of success by helping students complete their two-year degrees and go on to matriculate to four-year programs. Prior cohorts of scholars have graduated from four-year schools such as American University and Morehouse College. Currently, there are students enrolled at Cornell University, Amherst College, Mount Holyoke and New York University.

Scholars enrolled in the program receive annual financial support towards tuition - up to $3,000 for associate degrees, and up to $20,000 for bachelor degrees – as well as living stipends so that they can reduce their work hours and devote more time to pursuing their academic and career goals. Assistance does not end with acceptance into a four-year program. The Kaplan Leadership Program fully supports participating students for the duration of their bachelor’s degree programs, working closely with them and their campus academic advisors to best position them for a highly competitive global workforce.

“The program’s very design is to help motivated students who for any number of reasons might be challenged to complete their current two-year coursework and move on to a four-year degree,” said Jennifer Benn, Director of the Kaplan Educational Foundation. “We are vastly different from traditional sources of financial assistance or scholarships in that we are 100% vested in every step of our students’ journey, advising, listening, counseling and even traveling with them to assess prospective colleges and universities. The philosophy that birthed this program is that students in America’s higher education system are more apt to succeed when academic achievements and leadership skills are not mutually exclusive pursuits.”

To review eligibility criteria and download an application, please visit http://www.kaplanedfoundation.org or contact the Foundation at 212-707-5300 with any related questions.

About the Kaplan Educational Foundation

The Kaplan Educational Foundation was founded by Kaplan, Inc., a global leader in education and career services. The Foundation provides high-potential, low-income students with academic and financial support, and leadership training to raise their expectations for success and open doors to opportunities that will change their lives and their communities. For more information about the Kaplan Educational Foundation, please visit http://www.kaplanedfoundation.org.

About Kaplan

Kaplan, Inc. is a leading international provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Kaplan serves students of all ages through a wide array of offerings including higher education, test preparation, professional training and programs for kids in grades K through 12. Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE:WPO) and its largest and fastest-growing division.