MINNEAPOLIS, April 7, 2010 - Capella University (www.capella.edu) and YMCA of the USA today announced a new alliance that gives YMCA employees, volunteers and their immediate families reduced tuition toward earning a degree online through Capella. Capella University, an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing high quality online degree programs for working adults. Nearly 34,000 students are pursuing an online degree at Capella University (http://www.capella.edu), with 33 percent enrolled in Capella's doctoral degree programs, and 48 percent enrolled in Capella's master's degree programs.
"The success of the YMCA depends on the skills and guidance of its leaders," said Terri Radcliff, YMCA of the USA's vice president of training and leadership development. "Access to quality higher education is essential for the YMCA to remain a vibrant and influential organization."
The YMCA views the organization's almost 300,000 employees and over 500,000 volunteers as leaders. All YMCA staff members are encouraged to develop their skills, engage in lifelong learning and pursue advanced career opportunities. This focus is aligned with Capella's mission of extending access to high quality online degree programs for adults who seek to maximize their personal and professional potential.
Jennifer Lee is a volunteer at the North Augusta YMCA in South Carolina. She is also a Capella student. "I speak from first-hand experience," she said. "Quality education makes an enormous impact in what you can accomplish through this organization and the difference you can make in people's lives—including your own."
Capella is one of two online education providers selected by YMCA of the USA to provide affordable access to lifelong learning opportunities. YMCA employees, volunteers and immediate family members will receive reduced tuition through the alliance. (In Florida, immediate family members are not eligible for this reduction.)
YMCA of the USA is the national resource office for the nation's 2,687 YMCAs, which serve 21 million people each year, including nearly 10 million children under the age of 18. YMCAs respond to critical social needs by drawing on their collective strength as one of America's largest not-for-profit community service organizations. Through a variety of programs and services focused on the holistic development of children and youth, family strengthening, and health and well-being for all, YMCAs unite individuals of all ages, faiths, backgrounds, abilities and income levels. From urban areas to small towns, YMCAs have proudly served America's communities for nearly 160 years by building healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Visit www.ymca.net to find your local YMCA.
Capella University is an accredited online university that has built its reputation by providing quality online degree programs for working adults. More than 80 percent of Capella students are currently enrolled in master's or doctoral online degree programs in business, counseling, education, human services, information technology, nursing, psychology, public administration, public health, public safety, and social work. Capella also offers bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, nursing, psychology, public administration, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 129 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 15 certificate programs. Nearly 34,000 learners were enrolled as of Dec. 31, 2009, from all 50 states and 52 other countries. Capella is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Founded in 1993, Capella University is a wholly owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company, headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552).
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*Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org. Capella University, Capella Tower, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552), www.capella.edu.
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