United Way partnership helps educate area teachers

MERRILLVILLE | In partnership with the United Way Northwest Indiana, the University of Phoenix and its Northwest Indiana campus has announced that it will provide a full-tuition scholarship to be put toward a four-year bachelor's degree.

The scholarship is part of the new United Way Success By 6 Scholarship for early childhood education workers in Northwest Indiana seeking to advance their careers.

The full-tuition scholarship can be used for new students in the Bachelor of Science in Education or a Transition to Teaching Certification program at the university's Merrillville campus at 8401 Ohio St.

"I'm fortunate to have been part of the Success By 6 Steering Committee since United Way started the program here," said Jennifer Khadivar, campus director for University of Phoenix Northwest Indiana Campus. "It is important that we help set up our students for a successful future and prepare them to pass that educational success on to their students."

The Success By 6 program is dedicated to improving conditions within the Northwest Indiana community to make sure children are physically, emotionally and intellectually prepared to enter first grade. One element of the program's strategy is to provide professional development for those working in early childhood education.

"Teachers have a tremendous impact in the early years of a child's life," said Sharon Kish, United Way of Porter County president. "We are grateful to the University of Phoenix for partnering with the United Way Success By 6 Initiative."

Interested applicants can get more information and apply online at www.phoenix.edu/i-scholarships. Applications are due by March 1.

For more information, call (219) 794-1500 or visit www.phoenix.edu.