Walden University Announces Major Teacher Education Initiative at Clinton Global Initiative Meeting

Hong Kong, China and Baltimore, MD (PRWEB) December 11, 2008 -- Walden University, a leading online university and member of the Laureate International Universities network, announced it will provide 100 full scholarships to highly deserving teachers to help them earn their master's degree in education. Those selected will be known as Riley Scholars, in honor of Richard W. Riley, the former U.S. Secretary of Education during the Clinton Administration, and a champion for making higher education accessible for those in need. The announcement of the commitment by Walden University was made at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Asia meeting in Hong Kong as part of a global commitment by Laureate International Universities.

"These scholarships are named in honor of Richard W. Riley for his global contributions to the field of education and to Laureate," said Douglas L. Becker, chief executive officer of Laureate Education. "Our global network of universities will grant more than 1,000 scholarships to teachers around the world because we know that teachers have a tremendous impact on the lives of students and families and the positive development of society. Providing highly deserving teachers with advanced education empowers them to effect positive change and to make their communities stronger. I am incredibly proud that Walden University is participating in this major commitment to education through their participation in the Riley Scholars program."

Richard W. Riley served as United States Secretary of Education from 1993 to 2001. He previously served two terms as governor of the state of South Carolina. Recently, Mr. Riley was named one of the 20th century's "Ten Best Cabinet Members" by Time Magazine. During his tenure as Secretary of Education, Mr. Riley spearheaded initiatives to improve academic standards and expand college grants and loans programs. In 2008, Walden University, a member of the Laureate International Universities network, named its College of Education after Mr. Riley. The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership at Walden University is one of the largest and most prominent teacher education institutions in the United States.

"I am pleased and honored to be a part of such a significant effort to recognize and support teachers throughout the world," said Secretary Riley. "I am very proud of the work being done by Walden University and by Laureate to strengthen society through education."

"The new Riley Scholars initiative is a wonderful way for Walden to create opportunity for teachers around the world, honor our good friend and colleague, Secretary Riley, and develop a new partnership -- as part of the Laureate International Universities network -- with CGI," said Jonathan Kaplan, President of Walden University.

The CGI Asia meeting is a nonpartisan initiative led by former U.S. President Bill Clinton to foster innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges. Laureate International Universities is a sponsor of the CGI Asia meeting, as well as the lead sponsor of the education track.

For more information about The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership at Walden University, visit www.WaldenU.edu.

About Walden University:

Since 1970, Walden University has offered working professionals the opportunity to earn advanced degrees through distance learning. Today, this comprehensive, accredited online university offers master's and doctoral degrees in education, psychology, management, public policy and administration, and health and human services, as well as master's programs in engineering and IT and bachelor's programs in business administration, psychology, child development, computer information systems, and interdisciplinary studies. Walden University is a member of Laureate International Universities, a leading global network of accredited campus-based and online universities.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. For more information go to www.ncahlc.org or call (312) 263-0456.

About Laureate International Universities:

Laureate International Universities is a global network of 42 accredited campus-based and online universities offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs to nearly 500,000 students around the world. Laureate International Universities' students are part of an academic community that spans 20 countries and more than 100 campuses throughout North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. Laureate International Universities offer more than 130 career-focused, undergraduate, master's and doctoral degree programs in fields including engineering, education, business, medicine, law, architecture, health sciences, hospitality, culinary arts and information technology. For more information, visit www.laureate-inc.com.

About the Clinton Global Initiative:

Established in 2005 as a project of the nonpartisan William J. Clinton Foundation, the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) convenes global leaders to devise and implement innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges. Since 2005, CGI members have made nearly 1,200 commitments valued at $46 billion. Already these commitments have impacted more than 200 million lives in 150 countries, and commitments made at the 2008 Annual Meeting are expected to impact almost 160 million. For more information, contact press @ clintonglobalinitiative.org.

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