NEW YORK, NY, May 12, 2010 -- The Kaplan Educational Foundation’s Leadership Program awarded scholarships to a fifth group of New York-area community college students last night at a ceremony held at Kaplan’s corporate offices in midtown.  Established four years ago, the Leadership Program is targeted to help high-potential, lower-income and under-represented students reach their educational and career goals.  It is one of the few to focus on community college students who want to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Last night’s celebration also recognized earlier groups of scholars who are in the process of transferring to four-year schools, as well as others who are now completing their bachelor’s degrees.  The newest group of scholars includes aspiring entrepreneurs, engineers and doctors.  These seven newest scholars currently attend two-year colleges in the greater New York City metropolitan area.

While the year-round program provides financial support for tuition (up to as much as $20,000 per year), living and other educational expenses, it also offers an individualized support system.  Scholars receive resources and step-by-step guidance through the transfer process from an associate’s to a bachelor’s degree program, as well as leadership development training, academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling.  The Foundation continues to support each student through the completion of the bachelor’s program.

“The program’s unique model allows us to identify and address our individual scholars’ needs – a process often absent from many scholarship programs,” said Jennifer Benn, Director of the Kaplan Educational Foundation.  “Our goal is to remove barriers while exposing them to a broad range of academic, career and leadership opportunities that will allow them to find their true life’s work.” 

By year’s end, two groups of scholars will have earned their bachelor’s degrees from institutions including New York University, American University, Mount Holyoke College and Morehouse College.

The newly accepted Scholars are:

• Wilson Acuna from Borough of Manhattan Community College
• Alexis Dyer from Kingsborough Community College
• Rosa Frias from Kingsborough Community College
• Qudus Lawal from Hostos Community College
• Mame Sourang from Kingsborough Community College
• David Thelemaque from Borough of Manhattan Community College
• Lavar Thomas from Kingsborough Community College

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, lower-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 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 - News) and its largest and fastest-growing division. For more information, please visit www.kaplan.com.

Press Contact:
Ed Pachetti
212-707-5312
ed.pachetti@kaplan.com