With the start of each new school year, many children look forward to the annual tradition of back-to-school shopping. Unfortunately, not all families in San Diego are able to afford essential school supplies. To help bridge this gap and provide needed supplies to students, Ashford University donated $10,000 to the San Diego Unified School District on September 30.

With Ashford’s donation, the San Diego Unified School District was able to purchase nearly 500 backpacks and kits filled with school supplies that were presented to the students of Encanto Elementary School. Dr. Tony Farrell, executive dean of the College of Education at Ashford University, and other representatives from Ashford attended the backpack distribution event.

“As an educational institution, Ashford University recognizes the importance of providing children with the essentials they need to be successful in school and beyond,” said Dr. Farrell. “This event is a true reflection of that and it is a privilege for our University to support it.”

Encanto is a low-income area of San Diego, with 96 percent of the elementary school’s students receiving free or reduced-cost lunches.

As a graduate of the San Diego Unified School District, Dr. Farrell was thrilled to return and have an opportunity to give back to his former district. “We are not just of this community, we are the community.”

About Ashford University
Where heritage meets innovation – that’s Ashford University. At Ashford, students discover relevant degree programs, innovative technology, and cherished tradition. Ashford offers associates, bachelor’s, and master’s online degree programs, while the Clinton, Iowa campus offers bachelor’s programs. Whether on campus or online, Ashford students enjoy the same supportive community. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu, www.facebook.com/ashforduniversity, www.twitter.com/AshfordU, or call Shari Winet, Vice President of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.