Stephanie Woodcock, a mother of three who has a passion for working with troubled teens, has been awarded an Ashford University full-tuition scholarship as a part of Project Working Mom. 

To earn the scholarship, Woodcock 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. 

Woodcock, who has worked with the elderly for the past 10 years, has a commitment to serving children and teenagers. "I want to make a difference in our country's youth," Woodcock said. 

"Most of us experience difficult times growing up, especially in the trials of our teenage years. I want to be there to inspire kids to be the very best they can be." 

In her essay, Woodcock, 32, wrote, "I think it is unfortunate that kids who do experience difficulties and get in trouble with the law are often written off and told they will never amount to anything. I believe when you give a child hope and beliefs in a positive destiny, you open the door to endless possibilities."

Woodcock, who has a husband in college says, "We cannot afford to pay for both of us to go to college at the same time, and it will be several years before my husband finishes his degree. With this scholarship, I could start my education now and begin to change the youth in this nation sooner. I understand that I am only one person, but hope starts somewhere."

She will be attending Ashford University to obtain a bachelor's degree in Psychology.

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.