Lisa Dekker, a mother of two who has overcome cancer and a serious on-the-job injury with perseverance, has been awarded an Ashford University full-tuition scholarship as a part of Project Working Mom. 

To earn the scholarship, Dekker 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.

Dekker, who was abused as a child, became pregnant at 16 and had her second child shortly thereafter, went to school full-time and earned her associate's degree. "Two months later I was diagnosed with cancer and given six to eight months to live," Dekker said. 

"Although devastated, scared and knocked off my path, I was able to pick up the pieces and get back on track. Nine years into my dream job as a federal officer, I was injured during a riot and am currently on worker's compensation."  

In her essay, Dekker wrote, "I refuse to be that individual who allows life situations to keep me down. I can no longer fight crime, but I can make a difference in the business sector, specifically hospital administration. This degree will help me overcome a life situation again." 

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.