Local Oxnard resident granted Full-tuition Scholarship from BGCA and University of Phoenix

OXNARD, Calif. - May 28, 2014 - PRLog -- Boys & Girls Clubs of America, in collaboration with partners like University of Phoenix, continues its dedication to academic success and providing college readiness programs for America’s youth that will prepare them for great futures. Many adults still require additional education opportunities to pursue their career goals, and Boys & Girls Clubs alumni, parents and staff, like Sherry Leal, are getting that chance. Leal works at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme.

Leal is one of 30 recipients nationwide to receive a full-tuition scholarship from BGCA and University of Phoenix to complete an undergraduate or master’s degree. Selected from more than 160 Boys & Girls Clubs staff, parents and alumni applicants, Leal is now one of the 80 BGCA-affiliated recipients who have received scholarships to University of Phoenix over the past two years.

“We are pleased to have this wonderful opportunity to reward our alumni, parents and staff for their dedication to helping our young people achieve their educational goals,” said Tim Blaylock, Chief Professional Officer, BGCOP. “Through our relationship with University of Phoenix, people like Sherry now have the chance to pursue their career goals and continue to be strong role models for our youth.”

Born and raised in Ventura County, Leal attended California Lutheran University and earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice and a B.A. in Spanish. After graduating she was hired by BGCOP where she works with the communities’ most needy youth inside the juvenile justice complex.

“I am grateful for the scholarship opportunity to further my education provided by the University of Phoenix and their partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs of America,” said Leal.

University of Phoenix is dedicated to providing a pathway for economic advancement for those who otherwise may not have one by addressing education and workforce needs in the communities it serves.

“University of Phoenix is dedicated to providing educational tools and opportunities for the Oxnard community,” said Jody Skenderian, Director of Community relations. “We are proud to provide Sherry Leal with the ability to pursue her degree and take that knowledge back into our community through her work with the Boys & Girls Club.”

In addition to the scholarship program with University of Phoenix, BGCA partners with University of Phoenix Foundation to provide BE GREAT: Graduate, a dropout prevention program that uses early warning signs to identify youth at risk for dropping out, and increases their engagement at Clubs. Now in its third year, the partnership focuses on helping young people at 10 Boys & Girls Clubs around the nation develop the academic, behavioral and social skills needed to be successful.

About The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme exists to inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. With three full-service clubs, 13 school program sites and one housing site, the organization is one of the largest of its kind in California, serving more than 9,000 members annually. The group is also the first Boys & Girls Club of its kind to open a site inside a Juvenile Justice Center in the state of California. Program areas offered to youth include character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, technology and sports, fitness and recreation. Visit www.Positiveplace4kids.org for more information.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,000 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people annually through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native American lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help working adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses, and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. As a subsidiary of Apollo Education Group, Inc., University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.