Laura Myers, a mother of two who endured a suicidal mother and an abusive father, has been awarded an Ashford University full-tuition scholarship as a part of Project Working Mom. 

To earn the scholarship, Myers 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.

Myers, who was physically, mentally and sexually abused as a child, became pregnant at an early age and was forced to drop out of college. "Becoming a mother forced me to change my priorities and goals," she said. After marrying and having two children, Myers worked her way up to a management position within her current company, and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Management while still working 50-60 hours per week and running her household. 

"Neither my husband nor I had our degrees, so we always had low paying jobs and have never been able to do more than make ends meet. Now our kids are 17 and 20, and we want the chance to be able to support them in their goals. Without degrees and decent paying careers, we may not be able to do that." 

In her essay, Myers, 41, wrote, "I may not make history like President Barack Obama, but I will definitely smooth out the path to success and be able to give our children and grandchildren the opportunities they deserve and the support they need. Education will help me change my life path and help me take control." 

She will be attending Ashford University to obtain a master's degree in Organizational Management with a concentration in Human Resources Management. 

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.