EARTH DAY NETWORK AND UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX SHAPE FUTURE OF YOUTH THROUGH “GREEN” SCHOOL PROGRAMMING AND SCHOLARSHIPS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jennifer Resick 202-518-0044, ext. 21 [email protected]

Earth Day Network and University of Phoenix Shape Future of Youth through “Green” School Programming and Scholarships A Greener Future for Ten Schools and Six Students with Solar Panel Installations and a University of Phoenix Scholarship Worth $50,000

  Washington, D.C., April 19, 2010– Honoring the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, Earth Day Network and University of Phoenix today announced a partnership to provide a greener future for America’s youth by “greening” 10 schools across the country with solar panel installations. Earth Day Network and University of Phoenix worked together to identify the following 10 schools across the country that would benefit greatly from the donations: James Lick High School (San Jose, Calif.), Jefferson High School (Portland, Ore.), Raymond S. Kellis High School (Glendale, Ariz.), New Vista High School (Boulder, Colo.), Northwest Halifax High School (Littleton, N.C.), Henderson High School (West Chester, Pa.), Rachel Carson Middle School (Herndon, Va.), Weatherbee Elementary School (Hampden, Maine), Lowell Elementary School (Duluth, Minn.), and Evergreen Charter School (Asheville, N.C.). The centerpiece of the greening project is the installation of a 2-5k/W solar panel system that will save the combined 10 schools approximately $500,000 and 1,674,450lbs of carbon emissions over the lifespan of the panels. A green school typically utilizes 33 percent less energy and 32 percent less water – enough savings to hire two additional full-time teachers. In addition to the significant reductions in pollution and energy cost savings, studies show that green schools greatly reduce student sick days, and improve test scores, as well as enhance student motivation in the short and long term. “Earth Day Network’s Education Program provides schools with environmental tools necessary for 21st century leadership and innovation,” said Sean S. Miller, education director at Earth Day Network. “The partnership with University of Phoenix will give students a unique chance to take their education to the next level and become environmental leaders.” As part of the greening, University of Phoenix will select one high school senior to win a full four-year scholarship for a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science or a Bachelor of Science in Business with a Concentration in Green and Sustainable Enterprise Management. Each of the six selected high schools will be offered the opportunity to nominate up to two students for the scholarship contest. Scholarship winners will be announced in May. “As part of our commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, we are proud to support the Earth Day Network’s Education Program,” said Bill Pepicello, president, University of Phoenix. “These solar panels will not only help reduce energy costs and help schools be more eco-friendly; they will also help create the next generation of environmentally aware leaders.” About Earth Day Network Earth Day Network was founded on the premise that all people, regardless of race, gender, income, or geography, have a moral right to a healthy, sustainable environment. Our mission is to broaden and diversify the environmental movement worldwide, and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle for promoting a healthy, sustainable environment. We pursue our mission through a combination of education, public policy, and consumer activism campaigns. Earth Day Network’scampaignsand programs are predicated on the belief that an educated, energized population will take action to secure a healthy future for itself and its children. The organization has a global reach with a network of more than 20,000 partners and organizations in 190 countries. Earth Day Network is a 501(c)3 organization located in Washington, D.C. About University of Phoenix Universityof Phoenixis constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Through flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning, students achieve personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold. As of November 30, 2009, 455,600 students were enrolled at University of Phoenix, the largest private university in North America. University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world.

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