Staff and faculty at Ashford University banded together to help stamp out hunger in the San Diego and Denver communities. The University’s “Back to School” food drive, held Aug. 5-30, resulted in more than 13,055 pounds of food that was donated to the Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank and the Food Bank of the Rockies.

“Typically, our organization holds our annual food drive during the holidays. However, this year, we moved it from December to August to help provide children on the free lunch program with food for the weekend,” said Jennifer Love Bruce, associate vice president of community relations at Bridgepoint Education, Ashford’s parent company. “This change proved to be a great success in helping to fight hunger in both San Diego and Denver.”

Employees at Bridgepoint Education and its other academic institution, University of the Rockies, also participated in the effort. As a result, the organization raised 25 percent more food in 2013 than it raised in 2012. 

“The Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank deeply appreciates the partnership and commitment of the entire Bridgepoint Education team for a successful food drive,” said James Floros, president and chief executive officer of Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank. “Our sincerest thanks for helping those in our community that struggle to get enough to eat.”

For more information, visit http://sandiegofoodbank.org/ or http://www.foodbankrockies.org/.

About Ashford University

Ashford University is defining the modern college experience by combining the heritage of a traditional campus with the flexibility and effectiveness of online learning. The University provides a vibrant learning community where high-quality programs and leading-edge technology create a dynamic, immersive and stimulating learning experience. The University offers practical and progressive associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online, as well as bachelor’s degree programs at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. Ashford University – where heritage meets innovation. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Winet Rodriguez, vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.

About Bridgepoint Education
Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE:BPI) improves the way individuals learn. By harnessing creativity, knowledge and proprietary technologies, such as Constellation, Thuze and Waypoint Outcomes, Bridgepoint Education has re-engineered the modern student experience with innovative solutions that advance learning. Its academic institutions – Ashford University and University of the Rockies – embody the contemporary college experience. Ashford University offers associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs while University of the Rockies offers master’s and doctoral degree programs. Both provide progressive online platforms, as well as traditional campuses located in Clinton, Iowa (Ashford University), and Colorado Springs, Colorado (University of the Rockies). For more information about Bridgepoint Education, visit www.bridgepointeducation.com or call Shari Winet Rodriguez, vice president of Public Relations, at 858.668.2580.

About University of the Rockies

University of the Rockies is an advanced graduate institution for tomorrow’s thought leaders. The University provides an intimate and dynamic learning environment, offering highly specialized master’s and doctoral degree programs in the social and behavioral sciences, access to industry experts, campus clinical programs for practical experience, and research and publishing opportunities. University of the Rockies is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (www.ncahlc.org). Small by design, University of the Rockies classes are presented in a progressive online format and at its Colorado Springs, Colorado campus and its Denver Instructional Site. For more information, please visit www.rockies.edu or call Shari Winet Rodriguez, vice president of Public Relations, at 866.621.0124, ext. 2513.