PEACHTREE CORNERS, Georgia - January 2, 2012 - Ashworth College (http://www.ashworthcollege.edu/), one of the leading accredited online colleges, announced that it is now accepting applications for the 2013 Gary Keisling ACCESS Scholarship program. Applicants will vie for one of 18 scholarships with a combined tuition value of up to $20,000.

Named for the online school's former President and CEO in recognition of Keisling's dedication and contributions to both Ashworth College and the field of distance education, the scholarship program will award 10 career diploma scholarships and four single semester's scholarships each toward Ashworth Associate and Bachelor's degree programs. The scholarships also include all of the student's course materials.

"Gary's personal mission was to open the doors of education to the underserved education population of America and we're excited to continue his legacy by offering these scholarships," said Rob Klapper, President of Ashworth College. He went on to explain that it is Ashworth's ongoing mission to provide affordable, quality education that gives graduates the career training employers want with zero student loan debt.

To be considered for an ACCESS Scholarship, all applicants must submit an application (www.ashworthscholarships.com) and an original 250-500 word essay. All applications are due by February 1, 2013 and recipients will be announced on March 1.

First time students may apply for the career diploma scholarship and both existing Ashworth College students and transfer students may apply for a college degree scholarship. Scholarship recipients will be able to apply their award to their choice of programs which includes business, criminal justice, early childhood education, health care, skilled trades, technology, and more.

Cheyenne Ramsden, Ontario, Canada, was awarded a 2012 ACCESS Scholarship to pursue an Ashworth College Associate Degree in Computer Information Systems. "I'm very honored to have been selected as a recipient. The value of this scholarship is far more than financial - it has inspired me to really make an effort. I wish to thank Ashworth College for their kindness and generosity."

In addition to the Ashworth College scholarships, sister school James Madison High School, is offering an additional four full ride scholarships for a regionally accredited high school diploma.

Gary Keisling ACCESS Scholarship program

Founded in 2011, the Gary Keisling Ashworth College Continuing Education for Student Success, or ACCESS Scholarship for short, was founded to honor the online school's former President and CEO, the late Gary Keisling. It was his personal and professional mission to offer affordable and accessible education to underserved populations who historically have had limited access to educational opportunities or an accredited diploma or degree.

Throughout his career, Keisling was regarded as an industry leader and an influential advocate for continuing education and students benefiting through distance education. For more information visit http://www.ashworthscholarships.com/.

About Ashworth College

Celebrating 25 years of Educating Minds and Changing Lives, leading online school Ashworth College has built a tradition of excellence by offering students worldwide an extensive range of online college degrees, online certificate programs, career training and online high school diploma options that are affordable and fit the busy schedules of working adults. Ashworth offers military education as well as specialized programs for corporate partners and homeschoolers.

Headquartered in Peachtree Corners, GA, Ashworth is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The Accrediting Commission of the DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. Ashworth is parent to James Madison High School which is accredited regionally by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), an accreditation division of AdvancED and further provides career training and vocational programs in the fields of health, business, technology, education, and skilled trades through sister schools PCDI Canada, New York Institute of Photography and Sheffield School.

 

Nine top high school show choirs from Iowa and Minnesota will descend on Davenport North's Paul J. Holzworth Auditorium on January 19th for one of the Midwest's premier show choir invitationals, The Big Dance.

The 16th annual event will include preliminary competition from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and finals competition beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Among the competing schools will be Davenport Central, Davenport West, Cedar Rapids Prairie, Waukee and Totino Grace High School of Fridley, Minn. Also included will be exhibition performances by North's own choirs, Northside Establishment and Center Stage.

Admission is $12 for adults, $7 for children and seniors.

For more information, contact:
Ryan Riewerts, North vocal music director
(563) 388-9884
Don Doxsie, The Big Dance chairman (563) 320-5002

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House of Representatives failed to pass legislation to stop the impending tax hikes and going over the fiscal cliff at midnight tonight.  Earlier this year, Loebsack introduced compromise legislation that would preserve tax cuts for middle class families, small businesses, and family farms in order to avoid going over the fiscal cliff.

"The failure by Congress to act and avoid going over the fiscal cliff is deeply disappointing. Unless a fair resolution to this crisis is found immediately, this inaction will undercut our struggling economy and the foundation of economic growth - middle class families. By refusing to act, Washington is once again taking our economy to the brink. Washington must be working to boost our economy, not undermining economic growth.

"We reached this point because of Washington's failure to act. Our economy is not a political game. I remain hopeful that a deal can be reached and middle class Iowans will be spared."

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Rock Island, IL - The Scott County Regional Authority has awarded a $2,430 grant to help Christian Care purchase an automated external defibrillator (AED) for each of its facilities?a domestic violence shelter for women and children and a rescue mission for
homeless men.

"Christian Care is grateful to the Scott County Regional Authority for supporting the men, women, and children we serve on a daily basis," said Dr. Elaine Winter, Christian Care's executive director. "This grant will permit us to purchase life-saving equipment, which is a tremendous relief for us. Christian Care's vision is to transform lives; we also want to save lives whenever possible. Having an AED at each of our facilities will help us to be that first lifeline of hope for anyone going into ventricular fibrillation."

Christian Care is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization operating two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men. It serves homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and those with mental illnesses.

Christian Care's community meal site is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on weekdays Monday through Friday, and for breakfast and dinner on Saturday and Sunday. Breakfast is served at 6:30 a.m., lunch at 12:15 p.m., and dinner at 6:30 p.m. If you know of someone in need, call Christian Care's crisis hotline any hour of the day at (309) 788-2273 or visit online at christiancareqc.org.