Walden University Forms Strategic Alliance with YMCA to Offer Degrees Online to Employees, Volunteers and Their Families

Minneapolis—March 8, 2010—Walden University and the YMCA of the USA today announced a new alliance that will give YMCA employees, volunteers and their families the opportunity to earn a degree online from Walden University.

“Walden University is proud to team up with the YMCA to help its staff achieve their lifelong learning goals,” said Jonathan A. Kaplan, president of Walden University. “We look forward to celebrating the many successes of our new YMCA students in the communities where they live, work and play.”

Walden University is an accredited institution celebrating 40 years of serving the higher education needs of working professionals. Walden programs help students achieve personal enrichment and career advancement. Walden graduates, in turn, help advance the lives of countless others and make a positive impact on their organizations, their communities and the world around them.

“We are pleased to join forces with Walden University to continue the YMCA’s commitment to supporting the professional development and personal growth of our staff,” said Terri Radcliff, YMCA of the USA’s vice president of training and leadership development. “This alliance with Walden gives our employees and volunteers a convenient format to earn a degree and immediately apply what they learn on the job and continue to advance their career at the YMCA.”

Through this alliance, potentially 2.5 million YMCA employees, volunteers and their family members across more than 2,600 locations nationwide will have access to the advantages of a Walden education. At Walden, students will have access to more than 40 online degree programs, experienced faculty members who are active in their fields, a curriculum that helps students effect positive social change, a state-of-the-art online learning experience and comprehensive support services.

For more information on Walden University and its programs, visit www.WaldenU.edu.

About Walden University
For 40 years, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. Today, more than 40,500 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries are pursuing their bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees at Walden. The university provides students with an engaging educational experience that connects them with expert faculty and peers around the world. Walden is the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities network—a global network of 45 online and campus-based universities in 20 countries.

Walden offers more than 40 degree programs with more than 180 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include: health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, education, public health, nursing, public administration, technology and engineering. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.hlcommission.org.

About YMCA of the USA
YMCA of the USA is the national resource office for the nation’s 2,687 YMCAs, which serve 21 million people each year, including nearly 10 million children under the age of 18. YMCAs respond to critical social needs by drawing on their collective strength as one of America’s largest not-for-profit community service organizations. Through a variety of programs and services focused on the holistic development of children and youth, family strengthening, and health and well-being for all, YMCAs unite men, women and children of all ages, faiths, backgrounds, abilities and income levels. From urban areas to small towns, YMCAs have proudly served America’s communities for nearly 160 years by building healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Visit www.ymca.net to find your local YMCA.