Erin Jones, a mother of two who has worked with people with developmental disabilities for the past 17 years, has been awarded an Ashford University full-tuition scholarship as a part of Project Working Mom. 

To earn the scholarship, Jones submitted an essay about her higher education aspirations. Her entry was selected out of more than 6,000 Ashford University applicants to the Project Working Mom scholarship program, developed by eLearners.com, a Web resource of EducationDynamics. Ashford University awarded 10 full-tuition scholarships. 

Jones, who is a residential developmental disabilities director, has often felt overworked and underpaid having to take overnight shifts and cover when the company was short staffed. "I want the caregivers that provide direct support to people with disabilities to be viewed as valuable members of the workforce and to earn a livable wage," Jones said.

In her essay, Jones, 33, wrote, "My children will never look at someone and notice their disability. They have been raised alongside people of all abilities and always look to find what is on the inside."

She will attend Ashford University and earn her bachelor's degree in Public Administration. "I want to develop the skills needed to make more of an impact on those living with a disability. Armed with a degree in Public Administration, I will dismantle barriers and change the scope of services currently offered not only in Maryland, but across the country. I want to change the way society perceives people with disabilities." 

Ashford University is one of eight accredited online institutions donating more than 280 full-tuition scholarships worth nearly $5 million to the Project Working Mom campaign in 2010. 

Applications are now being accepted for the final round of Project Working Mom 2010; the deadline is Sept. 15. Applicants must complete a short application at www.projectworkingmom.com and write an essay describing how they will benefit from a college education. Winning applicants will be notified in October.  

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, director of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.