In 2008, Linda Guido was one of 10 recipients awarded a national Project Working Mom full-tuition scholarship to Ashford University. Her winning essay was selected from more than 70,000 entrants that year.           

Guido is on-track to earn her bachelor's degree in Business in June 2012 -- the same month and year that her daughter and son will be graduating from high school. 

"Once I earn the degree, I would like to pursue higher level opportunities with my current employer. I already incorporate what I learn in every class to my job," she said. "A higher education is already helping me to perform my job better, so the possibilities are very exciting. I'm honored to be a scholarship recipient and this experience has changed my life. After the birth of my children, this has been the most important thing I have ever done."           

As a part of the Project Working Mom program, Ashford University, a regionally accredited university offering online and on-campus graduate and undergraduate degree programs, awarded 50 full-tuition scholarships, valued at more than $2 million, in the past three years. 

Developed by e-Learners, a web resource of Education Dynamics, the program awarded scholarships to deserving parents who wanted to pursue a college degree, but didn't have the time, financial resources or confidence.

"Students, like Linda, who are successfully achieving their higher education aspirations, have made our participation in the Project Working Mom program particularly worthwhile," Ashford University President Elizabeth Tice said. "Online higher education makes it possible for working parents to achieve their goals, and it is an honor to have provided the resource for 50 of them to attend Ashford University."

"The opportunity to earn my degree while still keeping my job allows me to provide stability for my children. The amazing feeling I had on the day I found out that I had won stays with me to this day. I am humbled, appreciative and dedicated. My confidence and self-esteem have never been higher.

"My dream of being the first person in my family to earn a degree is almost a reality," she said. "I encourage anyone who has the same burning desire that I had for a college degree to go for it. Working mothers know the dedication and commitment it takes to balance children, work and life, so why not make the time to do something that will change your life? A college degree sets a great example for our children, improves earning potential and the feeling of achievement makes us more confident women," she concluded.                                 

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, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.