Kaplan College Graduate Honored With '2004 GREAT Student Award' on Capitol Hill

9/11 Survivor is Recognized for Academic Persistence and Performance by the Career College Association and Members of House of Representatives

Washington, D.C., February 4, 2004 - Kaplan College is pleased to announce that Christine Forestire, a Class of 2003 graduate of its online program, has been honored with a Graduate Recognition for Excellence, Achievement and Talent (GREAT) Student Award by the Career College Association (CCA). She was presented a plaque, along with six other winners, in front of Reps. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-CA) and Robert Andrews (D-NJ), both members of the House Education and the Workforce Committee.

Sponsored by the CCA, the GREAT Awards recognize determined, highly motivated individuals who have overcome many obstacles to achieve their educational goals. This year's winners maintained stellar GPAs, and all serve as mentors in their schools and in their communities. As part of their recognition, they received transportation to and hotel accommodations in Washington, D.C. to attend the ceremony and then meet with their respective Members of Congress.

"I'm truly honored to have been selected as a recipient of the CCA award, and appreciative of the program that enabled me to achieve my goals," said Forestire, a survivor of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. "The flexibility of Kaplan College's program, as well as the understanding and support of my school advisors, helped me to stay focused on my educational path during difficult times. Today, I hold my bachelor's degree in business and am planning to progress in my career."

Andrew Rosen, President, Kaplan College, said, "We're especially proud of Christine. She embodies the spirit of a Kaplan College online student -- a bright, motivated individual who has found a way to achieve her educational and career goals despite challenging personal circumstances. She exemplifies how online, post-secondary learning is working for millions."

About Kaplan College
Kaplan College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). The college offers career-focused degree and certificate programs -- both on campus and online -- in business, information technology, criminal justice and paralegal studies. The college was one of the first participants in the Department of Education's Distance Education Demonstration Program, enabling students in its online degree programs to qualify for Title IV funding. Kaplan College's online student student population is over 12,000.

About CCA
CCA is a voluntary membership organization of private, postsecondary schools, institutes, colleges and universities that provide career-specific educational programs. CCA's 1,200 members educate and support more than a million and a half students each year for employment in over 200 occupational fields. To learn more about CCA, visit www.career.org.

Press Contacts:

Charles Lynn
561-981-7190
charles_lynn@kaplan.com

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