Stanbridge College Sponsors Graduation for Foster Youth in Orange County

IRVINE, CA--(Marketwire - Jul 23, 2012) - Stanbridge College, a technical college that offers diploma programs and Associate, Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Healthcare and Information Technology, partnered with the Orangewood Children's Foundation in June to sponsor their 2012 graduation ceremony for foster youth who achieved a diploma, GED, or trade school certificates. The Orangewood Graduation Ceremony and Dance celebrated those foster youth who have overcome adversity to achieve their education through the Independent Living Program at Orangewood, a non-profit organization dedicated to successfully transitioning emancipated foster youth in Orange County. This is the second consecutive year in which Stanbridge has partnered with Orangewood in support of their graduation ceremony.

Cal Winslow, CEO of Orangewood Children's Foundation, stated, "I am so thankful for the ongoing partnership of Stanbridge College as together we celebrate the high school and college graduations of our foster youth. For young people who have grown up in the foster care system, this educational accomplishment is tremendous and Stanbridge shares in helping these youth take the next steps toward life's possibilities. Thank you for the encouragement and support you have shown our youth."

"Stanbridge College is extremely pleased to continue its support of the Orangewood Children's Foundation," stated Yasith Weerasuriya, CEO and President of Stanbridge College. "We are honored to share this graduation day with these amazing young adults who used their courage, strength and skills to overcome many challenges. As they move forward we encourage them to explore all of their interests, learn as much as possible and be fearless when it comes to accomplishing their personal dreams."

According to the Orangewood Children's Foundation, 46% of teens leaving the foster system have not graduated from high school, compared to 16% of the general population. The Foundation programs assist foster children and former foster children leaving the dependency system, strengthen at-risk families, and are designed to prevent and break the generational cycle of abuse.

The sponsorship is part of Stanbridge College REACH - Beyond the Classroom™ Service Learning and Civic Engagement initiative. Stanbridge College REACH partners with over 40 non-profits in Orange County and around the world to help educate its students on issues of need including homelessness and hunger. REACH encourages the Stanbridge community to participate in volunteer and donation activities in addition to its students to use their classroom skills to help the less fortunate.

For more information on the Orangewood Children's Foundation, please visit www.orangewoodfoundation.org. To learn more about Stanbridge College REACH community service please visit www.stanbridge.edu.

About Stanbridge College
Based in Irvine, CA, Stanbridge College is a co-educational, technical college with an annual enrollment of over 800 students. Founded in 1996, Stanbridge is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Stanbridge College offers diploma programs and Associate, Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Healthcare and Information Technology.

In 2009, 2010 and 2011, Stanbridge College received an award from Institutional Research & Evaluation, Inc., as one of America's Best Technical Colleges. Stanbridge has also been named to the 2009, 2010 and 2011 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement. In 2008-2009 Stanbridge College was the recipient of the School of Excellence Award from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), and since 2007 it has maintained one of the highest continuous pass rates in California on the NCLEX-PN nursing exam, with a 96% cumulative pass rate. For more information, please visit www.stanbridge.edu or call (949)-794-9090.